The Volta River Authority (VRA) has alerted stakeholders to the potential spillage of excess water from the Akosombo Dam.
This announcement, made by Ing. Ken Arthur, the Deputy Chief Executive in Charge of Services, emphasized the importance of engaging over 40 stakeholders, including the Minister for the Interior and local assemblies within the dam’s catchment areas.
The VRA’s notice highlighted that immediate discussions would be initiated to address the possible implications, mitigative measures, and strategies for information dissemination.
The spillage, deemed a precautionary measure, aims to maintain the structural integrity of the dam and safeguard nearby communities.
In 2023, the VRA executed a controlled spillage from the Akosombo Dam, which commenced on September 15 and concluded on October 30.
This spillage resulted in significant flooding, impacting over 88,000 individuals and more than 5,000 homes in the surrounding areas, particularly within the Lower Volta region. In response to the devastation, media outlets such as Citi FM and Channel One TV assisted in building resettlement and health centers.
The government announced a GH¢220 million compensation package for the victims, with President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo stating that GH¢80 million had already been disbursed during his Independence Day speech.
However, this claim was disputed by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Member of Parliament for North Tongu.
By Ruth Sekyi – Public Sector Global
