Togbe Komla Sakpiti V, the Dufia of Bakpa Avadiokome, has expressed deep concern over the Volta River Authority’s (VRA) plans to spill 50,000 cubic feet per second (CFS) of water from the Akosombo Dam in the coming weeks.

In an interview with Adom News, he recalled the destructive impact of last year’s spillage on island residents in the Central Tongu district and expressed frustration over the lack of resettlement and compensation for those affected.

“I nearly cried after hearing about the planned spillage. Last year’s spillage was devastating, and yet, the government and the VRA have failed to address the settlement of the flood victims,” Togbe Sakpiti V said.

Despite a precautionary spillage workshop organized on July 11, Togbe Sakpiti V lamented that the government, through the VRA, failed to address the settlement of the flood victims.

“The impact on our communities has been severe, and the lack of action to resettle and compensate those who lost their homes and businesses is unacceptable,” he stated.

Togbe Sakpiti V called for urgent government attention and support from industry players to prioritize the welfare of the residents ahead of the spillage.

“We need immediate action to ensure that our people are safe and their livelihoods are protected,” he urged.

Residents of Avadiokome also voiced their concerns in interviews with Adom News, expressing fear and anxiety over the potential impact of the planned spillage.

“We are terrified of what might happen,” one resident said. “Last year, we lost everything, and we cannot go through that again,” he added.