VRA meets Interior Ministry and security agencies on possible precautionary spillage of Akosombo Dam

As part of the annual stakeholder engagements for the Volta River Authority’s (VRA) emergency preparedness plan, officials of the VRA, led by the Deputy Chief Executive in charge of services, Ing. Ken Arthur, met with the Minister for Interior, Henry Quartey, and representatives of various security agencies.

This meeting comes as the Volta River Authority has begun its sensitization exercise in downstream communities south of the Akosombo Dam, which were affected by the dam spillage last year. The VRA has engaged traditional authorities, religious leaders, and opinion leaders in the North Tongu and South Tongu districts at sensitization workshops.

Tabling the issues, Ing. Arthur explained that stakeholder engagement and community sensitization have become necessary due to the rainy season and the anticipated volumes that could occur. He stated that the precautionary spill could become a necessity if the volume of rains increases, even though the current level of water in the Akosombo Dam is relatively lower than at the same time last year.

The Minister for Interior, Henry Quartey, suggested that the scope of engagements be widened to ensure no critical groups and individuals are left out who are likely to be affected in the event of possible spillage.

On the part of the security agencies, the representatives assured the meeting of their readiness and support should there be a need for a precautionary spillage.

Present at the meeting were Deputy Minister Naana Eyiah; Ag. Chief Director at the Ministry of Interior, Doreen Annan; Technical Advisor at the Ministry of Interior, Samuel Amankwah.

From the security and relief agencies: 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; Seji Saji from NADMO.

Also present from the VRA were Acting Director of Water Resources/Renewable Energy, Abdul Wahab, and Corporate Communications Manager, Francis Abban.