Energy Minister Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh informed Parliament that authorities continue to closely monitor the inflows into the Akosombo and Kpong Dams. He indicated that if necessary, the Volta River Authority (VRA) would proceed with further spillage. During the briefing on Wednesday, November 8, the minister also defended the necessity of the spillage and the manner in which it was executed.
READ ALSO: VRA Ends Spillage Of Akosombo Dam
Emphasizing the preventive nature of the action, Dr. Opoku Prempeh noted, "If the VRA had not been proactive, the water would have overtopped the dam, resulting in unimaginable catastrophe for the people. Spillage was the only option to ensure the safety of the dam." Furthermore, he highlighted that the controlled spillage ultimately preserved lives, the Akosombo Dam, and the Sogakope Bridge. Notably, he underscored that no fatalities were recorded as a result.
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The VRA officially announced the cessation of the spillage of excess water from the Akosombo Dam, which had begun on Friday, September 15. The spillage, designated as controlled by the Authority, ran concurrently with that of the Kpong Dam, prompting warnings for residents of areas near the Dam to relocate to higher grounds in anticipation of the spillage.
In a subsequent statement released by the VRA's Corporate Affairs and External Relations Unit on Monday, October 30, the Authority declared the conclusion of the controlled spillage. Despite this, the VRA expressed its commitment to continuing relief and rehabilitation efforts until the affected communities' lives and livelihoods were fully restored. In addition, the VRA expressed gratitude to various government agencies and stakeholders for their support to the impacted communities.
READ ALSO: Akosombo Dam Spillage: NADMO Begins Impact Assessment In Affected Areas
Earlier, Mr. Emmanuel Antwi-Darkwa, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the VRA, attributed the magnitude of the spillage to unexpected inflows into the lake. "We are on phase II [of the spillage] right now and it is a cycle. It is normal at this time of the year for us to experience inflows. The difference is that we are getting more than expected and to safeguard this dam means that we have to spill water," he explained to journalists on Thursday, October 12. He further emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting the need to relocate individuals to ensure their safety until the inflows receded.
The VRA had faced criticism for allegedly neglecting its responsibilities in the Lower Volta Basin, impacting communities significantly due to the floods caused by the spillage from the Akosombo and Kpong Dams.
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