Dr. Kwabena Donkor, the Member of Parliament for Pru East, has expressed concern that the recent flood caused by the spillage of water from Akosombo and Kpong Dams by the Volta River Authority (VRA) could lead to food shortages in Ghana.
The flood has affected several farms along Volta Lake, and Dr. Donkor emphasized the need to pay attention to the potential impact on food security.
Speaking during a parliamentary debate after Energy Minister, Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh, had briefed the House on the flood situation, Dr. Donkor stated that the issues went beyond the spillage of water.
On the other hand, Energy Minister Dr. Opoku Prempeh explained that the controlled spillage was necessary to prevent the dams from being destroyed, which would have had unimaginable effects on the Ghanaian populace. He added that aside from preserving the dams, the controlled spillage also helped to protect lives.
During a briefing to Parliament on Wednesday, November 8, the VRA spokesperson addressed the controlled spillage of water from the dams and its effects on the Volta Region.
The spokesperson stated that the spillage was necessary to ensure the preservation of lives, Akosombo Dam, and Sogakope Bridge. Fortunately, no casualties were reported.
The VRA spokesperson further emphasized that the organization would spill water again, if necessary. The inflows are still being monitored, and if the situation demands it, the VRA will spill more water.
According to the spokesperson, spilling water was the only option to prevent the water from overtopping the dam, which could lead to unimaginable catastrophes.
“It is worth noting that the CEO of the VRA, Mr Emmanuel Antwi-Darkwa, explained that the lake was experiencing an excess of inflows, which prompted the spillage. The VRA is currently in phase II of the spillage, and it is a normal cycle. However, the inflows are more than expected, and spilling water is a standard operation for any hydro dam.
During a press conference on October 12th, a representative stated that they were expecting the water levels to decrease and the emergency to recede as the cycle continued.
However, they also mentioned that the spilling may continue despite the anticipated drop in water levels.
The emergency requires the evacuation of people in affected areas to ensure their safety until the inflows recede. The VRA has been accused of neglecting its responsibilities in the Lower Volta Basin, resulting in a huge impact of flood caused by spillage from the Akosombo and Kpong Dams on nearby communities.
