The Volta River Authority (VRA) has announced a possible controlled water spillage from the Akosombo Dam in the coming weeks, expecting minimal damage in this phase.
Ben Sackey, Director of Environment and Sustainable Development at the VRA, highlighted the Authority’s proactive approach in learning from last year’s experiences, which included the displacement of approximately 39,000 residents and the loss of farmlands.
The spillage, intensified for three weeks starting September 15, 2023, aimed to protect the dam’s integrity but resulted in severe flooding across eight districts in three regions, including Asuogyaman, Shai Osudoku, and North Tongu.
To mitigate the impact of the forthcoming spillage, the VRA has commenced extensive stakeholder engagement.
“Every year, we come and have an education on the latest spill; the district assembly can bear witness to that, since 2011.
But the number of people and those who were part was limited,” stated Sackey. He emphasized the importance of involving more stakeholders in the process this year, in light of the previous incidents.
