The Volta River Authority (VRA) has issued a notification to over 40 stakeholders, including the Minister for the Interior and local assemblies within the Akosombo Dam’s catchment areas, about the possibility of excess water spillage.
This announcement, signed by Ing. Ken Arthur, Deputy Chief Executive in Charge of Services at the VRA, calls for proactive stakeholder engagement as a precautionary measure.
The VRA highlighted the importance of early engagement to ensure both the structural integrity of the Akosombo Dam and the safety of nearby communities. Although a spillage is not confirmed, the VRA stresses the necessity of prompt preparation and stakeholder involvement.
This notice is part of VRA’s ongoing commitment to uphold safety protocols around the dam and to respond swiftly to any potential risks arising from water level changes.
The communication stated, “The Volta River Authority (VRA) intends to commence engagements regarding the potential controlled spillage of water from the Akosombo Dam. This precautionary measure is crucial to maintaining the structural integrity of the dam and ensuring the safety of our communities.”
It further added, “We propose to engage you and the relevant team to discuss the potential implications, mitigative measures, and information dissemination.”
In October 2023, the VRA conducted a controlled spillage of the Akosombo Dam to prevent overflow, which led to the displacement of residents in low-lying areas. The most affected communities were in the North and Central Tongu districts, where over 35,857 people were displaced, and numerous homes and farmlands were destroyed.
The floods had a significant impact on more than 30,000 individuals in the North Tongu district, who found themselves in urgent need of assistance from government agencies and charitable organizations.
By initiating these engagements, the VRA aims to prevent a repeat of last year’s devastating floods and ensure that all stakeholders are adequately prepared for any eventualities.