Mudslide from mountai: Fear grips Adaklu-Helekpe

A terrifying mudslide, laden with massive rocks from the 600-meter Adaklu Mountain, descended upon the community of Adaklu-Helekpe in Ghana's Volta Region on Wednesday evening, May 20, 2026. The destructive force buried at least five homes and nine vehicles, leaving a trail of devastation at the foot of the mountain. The incident, which occurred during a heavy downpour shortly after 6 p.m., has thrown the close-knit community into a state of shock, fear, and anxiety.

Miraculously, two individuals, a man and a woman, who were initially trapped in the debris were rescued by quick-thinking local townsmen. Their swift actions provided critical aid before personnel from the Ghana National Service could arrive on the scene. While the immediate human toll was averted thanks to the bravery of the locals, the mudslide was not without its casualties, as approximately 50 goats and other livestock perished in the disaster. The displaced residents are currently seeking shelter with relatives and sympathizers, grappling with the loss of their homes and belongings.

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This is because we need to bring in geological engineers to assess the situation.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer (ACFO) Joseph Tetteh Freeman, the Volta Regional Commander of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), confirmed that no lives were lost in the mudslide itself, though the injured were promptly taken to the hospital. In a decisive move to ensure public safety, ACFO Freeman ordered an immediate evacuation for residents living in close proximity to the affected area. He stressed the importance of keeping clear of the scene for at least a week to allow geological engineers to conduct a thorough assessment of the mountain's stability. The commander also advised against venturing onto farms in the interim, as the mud covered at least several acres.

ACFO Freeman lauded the local townsmen for their heroic efforts in rescuing the trapped individuals, highlighting their courage and community spirit. "We will continue to visit Adaklu-Helekpe until we are sure the place is safe," he affirmed, demonstrating the service's commitment to the community's recovery. A team from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) was also present at the scene. This event echoes a similar incident in 2017 when massive rocks from Adaklu Mountain exploded, sending debris down to the community and causing panic among residents.

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We will continue to visit Adaklu-Helekpe until we are sure the place is safe.