The Volta River Authority (VRA) has indicated that the proposed precautionary spillage of water from the Akosombo Dam would cause minimal impact on communities downstream.

Though the Authority has not decided to undertake any spillage, an analysis conducted in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) revealed that when fifty thousand cubic feet per second (50,000 CFS) of water is spilt, it would remain in the river channel.

This would not lead to flooding and havoc as experienced in September 2023, where communities were flooded, houses destroyed, and thousands of residents were displaced. Some communities were completely washed away and are yet to recover from the devastating effects of the spillage.

“An analysis of 2024 proposed precautionary spillage shows that when fifty thousand cubic feet per second (50,000 CFS) of water is spilt, the water would largely remain in the river channel and will cause minimal impact for structures found within the river channel.

The analysis also revealed buildings in these districts which are not in the river channel will not be impacted if the precautionary spillage occurs”, a press release issued by the Authority read.

It further indicated that the VRA has completed engagements with stakeholders in the North, Central and South Tongu Districts, and the Volta Regional Coordinating Council to enlighten members of communities downstream on the spillage and related factors.

The engagement was to prepare the minds of the residents in earmarked affected zones should the Authority decide to undertake a precautionary spillage.

“This follows the standard protocols of the VRA’s annual emergency preparedness plan with the aim of having persons living in the 6 districts (North Tongu, Central Tongu, South Tongu, Keta, Anloga, and Ada East) in the Volta and Greater Accra Regions well informed about safety protocols in the event of a decision to conduct a precautionary spillage”, the release stated.

It further stated that spillage from the Akosombo and Kpong Dams over the years was done “to protect and preserve the structural integrity of the critical national infrastructure which contributes significantly to the nation’s power generation, irrigation, and flood control needs.”

The Deputy Chief Executive in charge of Services of the VRA, Ing Kenneth Mensah Arthur stressed that the Authority has not decided to undertake any spillage yet, adding that “the sensitization efforts are part of the authority’s proactive plan to conduct public education in the communities that usually are affected by the dam spillage.”

He added that the Authority would only be compelled to spill if water levels were high and posed a significant threat to the hydroelectric dams.

The VRA used the opportunity to clarify that the meeting was not to announce any impending spillage but to create awareness in communities in the earmarked affected areas, and equip frontline agencies with relevant information on the extent of impact should a precautionary spill be done.

The stakeholders lauded the efforts of the Authority on the timely provision of information but lamented the delay in the resettlement of the people affected by the 2023 spillage from the Akosombo and Kpong Dams.

They entreated the Authority to ensure suitable habitats are provided for the victims in safe areas in the unlikely event of a precautionary spillage.

The Volta River Authority also engaged with stakeholders in the Keta and Anloga Districts and would later visit the Ada East District in the Greater Accra Region.