Waterfalls in West Akim to generate electricity

Asamankese (E/R), Nov. 22, GNA - Three waterfalls in the West Akim District are to be developed into mini-hydro power generating projects. They are the Akanteng and Aworotenteng falls which are both 50 metres high and the Kwaku Sae falls, which is 20 metres high. A team of experts from the Ministries of Water Resources, Works and Housing and the Tourism and Modernisation of the Capital City are expected in the district next month to undertake feasibility studies of the project on the waterfalls and submit a report.

Mr Kwabena Sintim-Aboagye, West Akim District Chief Executive announced this when addressing an Ordinary Meeting of the District Assembly at Asamankese on Monday.

He said development of the waterfalls into mini-hydro power projects was part of the Government's policy to find alternative sources of power to minimize over-dependence on the Akosombo dam for hydro-electric power supply.

Mr Sintim-Aboagye said the project would also lead to the establishment of small-scale industries and offering of employment to the people.

He said the district abounds in many tourists attractions in addition to the waterfalls.

These are the two caves at Kwaku Yirebi-Odeng and Yokpe each capable of accommodating between 10 and 15 people at a time. The DCE said there were also an "oware" game carved on a big rock boulder at Sakyi Kwadwo village, near Owuram, a snake-like oil palm tree located at Sukrong-Canaan and a shrine near Kobriso. Mr Sintim-Aboagye noted that tourism was the single most important endowment that was capable of changing the socio-economic development of the area through attraction to tourists.

He announced that Mr Michael Scot, a Canadian businessman and financier, had expressed interest to partner the Assembly in developing the sites.

Mr Scot, who is also President of the Africa Support and Sustenance Organisation in Canada and the Executive Director of Aviance Aviation Limited in Canada, had agreed that his organisation would provide financial assistance towards establishing a vocational institution, estate development, health facilities and an information technology centre in the district.