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Akosombo Dam spillage “technically justified” – Committee Report

2 weeks ago

1 minute read

The five-member committee set up by President John Mahama to probe the devastating flooding caused by the Akosombo and Kpong dam spillage in 2023 has concluded that while the spillage was essential, critical lapses marred its management.

The report, submitted to Energy and Green Transition Minister John Abdulai Jinapor, confirmed that the Volta River Authority (VRA) had no choice but to release water between September 15 and October 30, 2023, to protect the structural integrity of the dams.

Nearly 40,000 Displaced, Millions Lost

However, the committee flagged significant procedural shortcomings that worsened the impact of the floods, which displaced an estimated 38,624 people in Ghana’s Volta Region and parts of the Eastern Region.

“While the decision to release water was technically justified, it highlighted areas for improvement in managing flooding within flood zones downstream of Akosombo,”
wrote Committee Chairman Ing. Kirk Koffi in a cover letter accompanying the report.

The worst-hit areas include:

North Tongu
Central Tongu
South Tongu
Ada
Kpong

An estimated 1,247 homes, 94 schools, and 17 health facilities were destroyed, with agricultural damage alone projected at $78 million.

Relief Efforts and Government Support

The VRA and NADMO coordinated relief and rescue efforts during the crisis, while the government provided emergency aid to displaced families.

In his recent national address, President Mahama confirmed that compensation for affected victims is being processed, with initial payments expected in the coming days.

Key Committee Recommendations

The 110-page report made several key recommendations:

Compensation: Adequate payments for affected communities, as per the outlined procedure.
Flood Zone Regulation: Strict adherence to defined flood zone regulations (1:50 years return period), ensuring citizen safety amid climate change uncertainties.
Technology Upgrade: Deployment of advanced technologies to improve flood forecasting and assessment.
Enhanced Protocols: Adoption of improved spillage protocols informed by the lessons of 2023.

“It is crucial that regulations in the flood zones… are strictly adhered to, ensuring the safety of our citizens in the face of climate change uncertainties,” the report warned.