Officials of the Volta River Authority (VRA) as part of its annual stakeholder engagement for its emergency preparedness plan, led by Deputy Chief Executive in Charge of Services, Ken Arthur, have met with the Interior Minister, Henry Quartey, and representatives from various security agencies.

This meeting coincides with the VRA's ongoing sensitisation exercise in downstream communities south of the Akosombo Dam, which were impacted by the dam spillage last year.

So far, the VRA has engaged traditional authorities, religious leaders, and opinion leaders in the North Tongu and South Tongu districts through sensitisation workshops.

Addressing the attendees, Mr Arthur stressed the importance of stakeholder engagement and community sensitisation, especially given the rainy season and the potential increase in water volumes.

He noted that a precautionary spill might become necessary if rainfall increases, despite the current water levels in the Akosombo Dam being lower than at the same time last year.

Interior Minister Henry Quartey recommended broadening the scope of engagements to include all critical groups and individuals who might be affected by a possible spillage.

Representatives from the security agencies assured their readiness and support if a precautionary spill becomes necessary.

Attendees at the meeting included Deputy Minister Naana Eyiah, Acting Chief Director at the Ministry of Interior Doreen Annan, and Technical Advisor at the Ministry of Interior Samuel Amankwah.

Representatives from the security and relief agencies present were Comptroller General K.A. Takyi of the Ghana Immigration Service; CFO Julius Kuunuor from the Fire Service; COP Mohammed Suraj from the Ghana Police Service; Lt. Col. Alex Twumasi and Maj. Joshua Satekla from the Ghana Army; Nana Agyemang Prempeh, Director of NADMO, PAEMT Alhassan Mohammed from the National Ambulance Service, and Seji Saji from NADMO.

From the VRA, Acting Director of Water Resources and Renewable Energy Abdul Wahab and Corporate Communications Manager Francis Abban were also in attendance.