ACCRA, GHANA–The Climate Vulnerable Forum and V20 Finance Ministers (CVF-V20) and the Government of Ghana, led by the Office of the Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability, announced the launch of the Akosombo Loss and Damage Funding Program (AkoLAD)—a targeted initiative designed to support communities affected by climate-induced flooding and strengthen long-term resilience.

AkoLAD forms part of the broader V20 Loss and Damage Funding Program and is financed through the Global Shield Financing Window of the CVF-V20 Joint Multi-Donor Fund (JMDF), with a contribution from the Government of Wallonia. The program is implemented in partnership with CARE Denmark and national partners.

“The launch of the Akosombo Loss and Damage Funding Program is a powerful statement that our frontline communitas will not be left alone to bear the cost of a crisis they did not create. It transforms the bitter lessons of the 2023 spillage into a blueprint for resilience. This is more than just recovery; it is about delivering climate justice and equipping our frontline communities to build back not just what was lost, but a stronger, more climate-smart infrastructure. As a member of the CVF-V20 Troika, we are immensely grateful for the support from the Government of Wallonia for this much needed and timely initiative.” said Hon. Issifu Seidu, Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability whose office is working closely with the CVF-V20 Secretariat and Care Danmark to implement the project.

“The Akosombo Dam spillage highlights the growing climate pressures on critical infrastructure and communities, reinforcing the urgent need for risk management, adaptation and addressing loss and damage,” said H.E. Mohamed Nasheed, Secretary-General of CVF-V20. “Through AkoLAD, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting those most vulnerable and ensuring that recovery efforts build sustainable livelihoods and long-term resilience.” 

Ghana was the previous chair of CVF-V20, which today counts 74 member countries representing 1.81 billion people. The CVF was founded in 2009 and in 2015 it established its sister association, the V20 Group of Finance Ministers.

AkoLAD is a one year initiative. It restores what communities have lost while reinforcing their capacity to withstand future climate shocks.  The program emphasizes locally-led, climate-resilient rebuilding, aligning with CVF-V20 priorities of accelerating frontline adaptation, strengthening systems resilience, and ensuring financial support reaches affected populations rapidly and transparently.

Key outcomes expected under AkoLAD include: Restoration of Physical and Livelihood Assets: This component includes the construction of climate-smart shelters for displaced families, support for repairingdamaged homes and livelihood assets, along with targeted training for women engaged in off-farm businesses, as well as for crop farmers and fishermen.

• Restoration of Community Infrastructure:AkoLAD will facilitate the repair and improvement of critical community infrastructure, such as sanitation facilities,  using climate-informed, flood-resilient design standards. The program places strong emphasis on rehabilitating natural infrastructure such as forests and freshwater ecosystems.
• Increase in Community Resilience to Future Flooding:AkoLAD will enhance nature-based flood protection measures, including the establishment of vegetation buffer zones. It will also strengthen the capacity and coordination of community information centers and governance structures to respond to floods, including through digital Early Warning Systems.

AkoLAD will deliver small grants directly to affected communities, ensuring swift recovery and targeted support where it is most urgently needed. A sum of US$1 million has been allocated from the CVF-V20 Joint Multi-Donor Fund for this initiative with contribution from the Government of Wallonia. The Fund, jointly managed by the CVF–V20 Secretariat and United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), is designed to advance climate prosperity, promote South–South cooperation, and scale up action on adaptation, mitigation, resilience, and loss and damage.