By Emmanuel Amoah
The Volta River Authority (VRA) is taking significant steps to mitigate the impact of a potential spill from the Akosombo Dam by intensifying community engagement and planning a controlled water release. This proactive approach comes in response to last year’s devastating spillage, which caused severe repercussions.
Anticipating high inflows, the VRA plans to release water at a controlled rate of 50,000 cubic feet per second, aligning with phase one of their spill plan. This discharge rate is expected to largely remain within the river channel, minimizing adverse effects.
Benjamin Sackey, VRA’s Director of Environment and Sustainable Development, emphasized that controlled spills are essential to prevent a catastrophic dam failure. “The dam has a limit. If water levels rise too high, we must release it to avoid the dam breaking, which would be catastrophic for the entire country,” Sackey stated.
While the controlled spill is a preventive measure, not all downstream areas will be significantly affected. Regions such as Ada East in the Greater Accra region, and Keta Municipality, along with North, South, and Central Tongu, and Anloga districts in the Volta region, might experience minimal impact.
The VRA’s proactive measures highlight their commitment to community safety and well-being. By engaging with local communities and implementing precautionary actions, the VRA aims to minimize any potential negative consequences of the spill.
“We are prepared, but we also recognize that nature can be unpredictable. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and take all necessary steps to ensure public safety,” Mr. Sackey added.
This approach underscores the VRA’s dedication to safeguarding lives and property while managing the environmental and infrastructural challenges posed by the Akosombo Dam.
