The Volta River Authority (VRA) has notified stakeholders regarding a potential controlled water spillage, including the Minister for the Interior and local assemblies within the Akosombo Dam’s catchment areas.
In a notice signed by Ing. Ken Arthur, VRA’s Deputy Chief Executive in Charge of Services, the authority emphasized the importance of engaging stakeholders in discussions about the possible spillage. This proactive measure safeguards the dam’s structural integrity and ensures community safety.
“The Volta River Authority (VRA) intends to commence engagements regarding the potential controlled water spillage from the Akosombo Dam. This precautionary measure is crucial to maintaining the dam’s structural integrity and ensuring our communities’ safety,” the notice stated.
It further proposed discussions on potential implications, mitigative measures, and plans for disseminating information effectively.
This announcement follows a similar controlled spillage event in September 2023, which caused significant flooding in the Lower Volta region. According to government reports, the 2023 spillage lasted until October 30 and affected over 88,000 people and 5,000 homes.
In response, efforts were made to build resettlement and health centres for affected communities. The government also announced a GH¢220 million compensation package, with GH¢80 million disbursed by March 6, 2023, as President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo outlined during the 67th Independence Day speech in Koforidua.
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament for North Tongu, disputed the president’s claim regarding the GH¢80 million disbursement, highlighting ongoing concerns surrounding the compensation process.
Source:newsghana.com.gh