When the Akosombo dam was finished in 1965, it produced hydroelectric power and gave farmers access to water for irrigation.
The dam, which is 660 meters long and 124 meters tall, keeps Lake Volta’s water at bay. Because of this, the spill gates are opened when the water level exceeds the minimal necessary level to prevent the dam from collapsing.
However, the spilled caused more than 80,000 people’s lives to be disturbed in 1965.
The displaced people were relocated to a township for re-settlement, according to a video that Ghana Facts and History released and GhanaWeb Business saw.
According to the article, the government launched an agricultural development initiative to assist the communities impacted by the Akosombo dam leak.
Increases in cotton, tobacco, vegetable crops, fish, poultry, and pig farming were the results of this new venture.
As per Ghana Facts and History, in 1972, the importation of food produce decreased as a result of the change.
The film caught every moment, including children cultivating and slanting the ground for planting, feeding pigs, fishmongers, and people waiting to purchase fish from shoreline fisherman.
In the meantime, many more have been displaced as a result of the recent overflow of water in the hydro dams at Akosombo and Kpong on September 15, 2023.
Numerous communities in the Volta Region’s north, south, and Central Tongu districts have been forced to flee due to the leakage.
Due to the spill, the hotel sector in the Eastern and Volta Regions has also been severely hit.