Communities Submerged as VRA Discharges Water from Dams: Thousands Displaced
A distressing situation has unfolded in the North Tongu region of the Volta Region, where communities have been inundated by water released from the Akosombo and Kpong Dams, managed by the Volta River Authority (VRA).
The resulting flood has led to the displacement of thousands and inflicted damage to properties amounting to millions of Ghanaian cedis, as highlighted by North Tongu’s Member of Parliament, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
Mr. Ablakwa conveyed his concerns via a tweet, urging the VRA to prioritize the relocation of individuals residing in the affected areas to higher ground before implementing further discharges. The dire consequences of the flooding necessitated the Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) to take a drastic measure: shutting down its substation in Sogakope.
GRIDCo justified this emergency shutdown as a precautionary step for the safety of residents in the area, seeking to mitigate the risk of electrocution, loss of life, and other associated hazards. The unfortunate flooding of the substation and its environs can be attributed to the controlled spillage executed by the Volta River Authority from the Akosombo Dam.
Last month, the VRA announced its intentions to commence controlled spillage not only from the Akosombo Dam but also from the Kpong Dam. This decision was prompted by the consistent rise in the inflow pattern, compelling the Authority to alert residents residing along the Volta River and downstream to take necessary precautionary measures. Already, the power supply to residents in Sogakope and its environs has been affected as a result.
GRIDCo has assured the affected residents that power will be reinstated as soon as the situation improves. Both GRIDCo and VRA expressed their deep regret for any inconvenience caused by this essential exercise.
This distressing situation underlines the imperative for proactive and coordinated measures to manage the adverse effects of water discharges from dams and protect the livelihoods of those residing in vulnerable areas. As the authorities work to address the immediate challenges, the impacted communities await relief and assistance during these trying times.