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Tag: Akosombo Dam spillage

  • Akosombo Dam spillage: More than 12,000 individuals displaced – Deputy Director of Health Services

    Akosombo Dam spillage: More than 12,000 individuals displaced – Deputy Director of Health Services

    Deputy Director of Health Services in the Volta Region, Dr. Senanu Kwesi Dzokoto, has revealed that the spillage of the Akosombo Dam has resulted in the displacement of at least 12,000 people.

    The controlled water spillage from the Akosombo and Kpong Dams commenced on September 15, 2023, due to a consistent rise in the inflow pattern and water level of the Akosombo reservoir. This has led to thousands of residents in areas like South Tongu, North Tongu, Central Tongu, Asuogyaman, and several others having their homes submerged.

    During an interview with the media, Dr. Dzokoto mentioned that the health directorate is actively taking measures to ensure the safety and immediate needs of the displaced persons are met.

    He emphasized the importance of providing proper sanitary conditions in the camps, offering psychosocial support through mobile teams, and addressing any health emergencies.

    “As of yesterday, we have close to 12,000 displaced persons. Our first immediate concern is to make sure that the 12,000 people are safe and free from any immediate risk. So some of them are in safe havens, especially in North Tongu, which is the worst-affected district in the Volta Region. And we have ensured that first of all, the sanitary conditions in the camps are quickly improved. We have also made mobile teams available to them, which are providing psychosocial support, and we are on hand to deal with any health emergencies,” he stated.

    Dr. Dzokoto highlighted the focus on educating residents about maintaining proper health behaviors to prevent the outbreak of waterborne diseases, particularly cholera, which is a common concern in such disaster situations.

    “What we really want to avoid is to avoid something like cholera because that is the most common epidemic that may arise from a disaster of this nature,” he added.

    Additionally, he noted that 25% of Mepe in the North Tongu District has been submerged in water, illustrating the severity of the impact on affected areas.

    “If you go to North Tongu, while we were there for the rapid assessment, about 25% of Mepe was under water, and even two-storey buildings had their roofs almost covered by water,” he said.

  • You must adequately compensate victims of Akosombo Dam spillage – Francis-Xavier tells VRA

    You must adequately compensate victims of Akosombo Dam spillage – Francis-Xavier tells VRA

    The significant number of individuals who have been displaced and had their properties destroyed due to the spillage of the Akosombo Dam must be duly compensated, according to the Member of Parliament for Madina, Francis-Xavier Sosu.

    The legislator believes such responsibility lies on the shoulders of the Volta River Authority (VRA) owing to its role in the disaster.

    According to Mr Sosu, lives and properties have been destroyed due to the “negligence and miscalculation from engineers” of the Volta River Authority.

    In a post on X on October 16, Mr Sosu accused the VRA of violating the “rights to life and property” due to the inability to handle the spillage of the dam with due diligence.

    He added, “VRA owed a duty of care to this community. They negligently breached this duty and must pay adequate compensation to alleviate the pain and suffering of these people.”

    For Mr Sosu, the effects of the spillage continue to get scarier by the day as “spillage is still ongoing.”

    The Volta River Authority’s (VRA) decision to release excess water from the Akosombo Dam, a measure aimed at preventing a potential dam collapse has inundated several areas in the Tongu districts and other areas.

    Properties worth millions of Ghana cedis have been destroyed, and over 15 communities in the Tongu districts have been negatively affected.

    In response to the flooding situation, the government has formed an inter-ministerial committee to tackle the recent floods resulting from the discharge of water from the Volta and Kpong Dams by the VRA.

    The thirteen-member committee will be headed by Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema Osei-Opare.

    Meanwhile, the Member of Parliament (MP) for the North Tongu Constituency, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has appealed to the VRA to reduce the discharge of water from the Akosombo Dam. His main concern is to ensure the safe evacuation of all residents affected by the flooding.

  • Akosombo Dam spillage: VRA’s negligence and miscalculation has destroyed lives, properties – Francis-Xavier Sosu

    Akosombo Dam spillage: VRA’s negligence and miscalculation has destroyed lives, properties – Francis-Xavier Sosu

    Member of Parliament for Madina, Francis-Xavier Sosu, has held the Volta River Authority (VRA) responsible for the havoc caused by the spillage of the Akosombo Dam.

    According to Mr Sosu, lives and properties have been destroyed due to the “negligence and miscalculation from engineers” of the Authority.

    Member of Parliament for Madina, Francis-Xavier Sosu

    The Madina MP, in a post on X on October 16, noted that there are “serious violations of rights to life and property” due to the unpardonable failure of the VRA.

    He added, “VRA owed a duty of care to this community. They negligently breached this duty and must pay adequate compensation to alleviate the pain and suffering of these people.”

    For Mr Sosu, the disaster continues to get scarier by the day as “spillage is still ongoing.”

    In the interim, he wants the government to pay attention to the situation and compensate the victims.

    The Volta River Authority’s (VRA) decision to release excess water from the Akosombo Dam, a measure aimed at preventing a potential dam collapse has inundated several areas in the Tongu districts and other areas.

    Properties worth millions of Ghana cedis have been destroyed, and over 15 communities in the Tongu districts have been negatively affected.

    In response to the flooding situation, the government has formed an inter-ministerial committee to tackle the recent floods resulting from the discharge of water from the Volta and Kpong Dams by the VRA.

    The thirteen-member committee will be headed by Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema Osei-Opare.

    Meanwhile, the Member of Parliament (MP) for the North Tongu Constituency, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has appealed to the VRA to reduce the discharge of water from the Akosombo Dam. His main concern is to ensure the safe evacuation of all residents affected by the flooding.

  • ‘This is getting scarier by the day’ – Madina MP on aftermath of Akosombo Dam spillage

    ‘This is getting scarier by the day’ – Madina MP on aftermath of Akosombo Dam spillage

    Member of Parliament for Madina, Francis-Xavier Sosu, has expressed deep concern over the current state of communities and individuals who have been displaced owing to flooding as a result of the Akosombo Dam spillage.

    In a post on X on Monday, he wrote, “This is getting scarier by the day.”

    He is perturbed as the spillage is ongoing. According to Mr Sosu, the devastation recorded should be blamed on the Volta River Authority (VRA) due to “negligence and miscalculation from engineers.”

    The Madina MP is of the view that “government needs to pay attention to the situation and compensate victims.”

    The Volta River Authority’s (VRA) decision to release excess water from the Akosombo Dam, a measure aimed at preventing a potential dam collapse has inundated several areas in the Tongu districts and other areas.

    Properties worth millions of Ghana cedis have been destroyed, and over 15 communities in the Tongu districts have been negatively affected.

    In response to the flooding situation, the government has formed an inter-ministerial committee to tackle the recent floods resulting from the discharge of water from the Volta and Kpong Dams by the VRA.

    The thirteen-member committee will be headed by Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema Osei-Opare.

    Meanwhile, the Member of Parliament (MP) for the North Tongu Constituency, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has appealed to the VRA to reduce the discharge of water from the Akosombo Dam. His main concern is to ensure the safe evacuation of all residents affected by the flooding.

    Mr Ablakwa has expressed deep concerns about the devastating impact of the discharge and has requested immediate relief supplies for the affected individuals.

  • Military rescues 1,800 victims of Akosombo Dam spillage in Volta Region

    Military rescues 1,800 victims of Akosombo Dam spillage in Volta Region

    The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) have undertaken a significant rescue operation named ‘Operations Boafo,’ which has so far saved 1,800 individuals in Mempe and Aaveyime, two communities in the Volta Region. These areas experienced severe flooding due to the release of water from the Akosombo and Kpong Dams to ensure the safety of the dams.

    This rescue effort is led by the 48 Engineers Regiment of the GAF, and the rescued individuals have been provided shelter by the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO). As the number of rescued victims continues to rise, the military has also constructed military tents to accommodate additional individuals.

    The commanding officer of the 48 Engineers Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel (Lt/Col) Alex Twumasi, emphasized that ‘Operation Boafo’ will persist until the situation is stabilized. He explained that the operation, which commenced on Friday, involves deploying one officer and 12 soldiers equipped with six boats with outboard motors to transport victims to safety and provide essential support. As long as the spillage continues, the GAF will remain on hand to ensure the preservation of lives and property.

    Visiting some of the disaster sites, the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Naval Staff, and the Chief Executive Officer of NADMO, Nana Agyeman Premeph, interacted with victims to assess the extent of damage and gain insight into their challenges.

    The Volta River Authority (VRA) initiated the controlled spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong Dams on September 15 due to rising water levels upstream of the Akosombo Dam caused by persistent rainfall.

    This coordinated effort between the military and NADMO is vital in providing relief and assistance to those affected by the flooding in the Volta Region.

  • GMA questions govt on absence of Health Minister from committee probing spillage disaster

    GMA questions govt on absence of Health Minister from committee probing spillage disaster

    The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has expressed reservations regarding the absence of the Minister of Health within the government’s emergency committee established to oversee relief efforts following the recent spillage from the Akosombo and Kpong dams.

    This spillage has caused extensive devastation in communities along the Volta Basin.

    In response to the dire situation arising from the spillage, a 13-member inter-ministerial committee was established to coordinate governmental endeavors aimed at assisting victims and managing the aftermath of the disaster.

    The thirteen-member committee will be headed by Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema Osei-Opare.

    The other members of the committee include the Minister of National Security, Albert Kan-Dapaah; Minister for the Interior, Ambrose Dery; Defence Minister, Dominic Nitiwul; Energy Minister, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh; Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta and the Minister of Local Government, Daniel Kwaku Botwe.

    Other members are Minister of Works and Housing, Francis Asenso-Boakye; Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwasi Amoako-Attah, Minister for Environment, Dr. Kwaku Afriyie; Minister for Sanitation, Freda Prempeh; Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor and the Minister for Information, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah.

    However, the GMA has called attention to the fact that the Minister of Health, Kwaku Agyemang-Manu, is conspicuously absent from this vital committee.

    They have emphasized the pivotal role that the Ministry plays in disaster relief efforts, particularly in terms of providing emergency healthcare and support, preventing potential outbreaks of water-borne diseases, effective risk communication, and ensuring the continuity of essential health services, all of which are integral components of responding to a disaster of this magnitude.

    In a statement released on October 16, 2023, the GMA expressed its approval of the formation of the Inter-ministerial Committee to address the flooding and its associated challenges.

    “We have noted the exclusion of the Minister of Health from this Committee even though the Ministry of Health will play a central role in relief efforts. The provision of emergency healthcare and support, prevention of possible outbreaks of water-borne diseases, risk communication and ensuring continuity of essential health services are fundamental to a response of this nature.”

    “We therefore call on the government to immediately include the Minster of Health as a matter of urgency,” portions of the GMA statement read.

    The flooding stemming from the spillage has led to the displacement of thousands of residents in the Volta and Eastern regions, and there is an urgent demand for assistance.

  • Flooding caused by Akosombo, Kpong Dams spillage must be treated as national security – Ho West MP

    Flooding caused by Akosombo, Kpong Dams spillage must be treated as national security – Ho West MP

    Member of Parliament for Ho West, Emmanuel Bedzrah, has strongly urged the government to categorize the floods resulting from the Akosombo and Kpong Dams spillage as a national disaster.

    He stressed the necessity for the government to initiate the evacuation of residents in the affected regions, in addition to implementing various preventive measures, all aimed at averting potential loss of life.

    “Mr. President, people’s homes are under water in the Lower Volta areas as a result of the spillage at Akosombo. Kindly treat this disaster as a national security issue and order for the evacuation of the people to safe grounds while providing them with essentials like food and water, at least, in the interim”, he stated in a social media post.

    He further indicated that “my experience with the people yesterday tells me it is a humanitarian situation that cannot be handled by any individual but central government. Let the nation Ghana wake up to the realities of what is happening.

    “We shall engage in the usual politics and ethnocentric diatribes after we save the lives of these people. Watching in aloofness only reveals that our branded hospitable nature is all a façade.

    “Extending condolences and felicitations to people in war-torn countries in Europe and the Middle East is a nice thing to do, but what we do at home in times of disasters such as this tells a fuller story.”

    While visiting the impacted communities, he observed a distressing situation where some individuals find themselves trapped in their homes, facing the grim choice of either succumbing to hunger or risking drowning, as they lack the means to reach safer areas.

    He further pointed out that many among them are in urgent need of essential provisions like sanitary towels, food, and clean water, as they anxiously await evacuation to safer grounds, with the hope of averting any loss of life.

    Mr. Bedzrah additionally proposed a collaborative stakeholder approach and the reconfiguration of the Volta project, originally set in motion by Ghana’s first president, the late Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. This reconfiguration is seen as a measure to proactively prevent similar disasters in the future.

    “A man-made lake like the Volta Lake should have projects that benefit directly from events such as we are experiencing now through proper engineering and not man-made disasters in the 21st century”, he said.

    Now, houses in over 100 communities in the South, North, and Central Tongu, Keta, and Anlo Districts have been submerged in the floods, with some at roof levels.

  • Alan, Mahama engage victims of Akosombo Dam spillage

    Alan, Mahama engage victims of Akosombo Dam spillage

    Last week, the founder of the Movement for Change, Alan Kyerematen and the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, embarked on a joint visit to offer support and sympathy to the victims of communities impacted by the Akosombo Dam spillage.

    The ongoing spillage has left numerous residents without homes, and thousands of houses have been submerged in floodwaters since the incident occurred.

    During their visit to Mepe, one of the severely affected communities, Mr Kyerematen emphasized the gravity of the situation, describing it as a national disaster emergency. He called upon both the public and private sectors to extend their support and assistance to those affected by the crisis.

    Mr Kyerematen expressed deep empathy for the hardships faced by the people due to the spillage, which forced many to leave their homes. Thankfully, there have been no casualties reported despite the widespread disruption caused by this disaster.

    He said “this was a natural disaster and there is little we can do at this moment. I pray that this becomes a thing of the past and our people will be safe again.” 

    Mr. Kyerematen pledged his commitment to providing support to the flood victims in the coming month and encouraged residents to remain composed, expressing hope that the District Assembly would exert substantial efforts to safeguard lives.

    The affected residents are still in dire need of government assistance as many of them have sought refuge in classrooms for safety.

    Meanwhile, during his visit to Mepe on Friday, Mr Mahama emphasized the urgent need for desilting the Lower Volta Basin, particularly focusing on the estuary at Ada. He observed that the situation had exacerbated the flooding issue, exacerbated by the release of excess water from the Akosombo and Kpong Dams by the Volta River Authority (VRA).

    Former President Mahama urged the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) to swiftly take action in providing essential relief items and implementing security measures to safeguard the lives and property of the affected communities.

    He expressed regret that NADMO was hampered by a shortage of resources, hindering its ability to promptly and adequately address the citizens’ needs. He attributed this shortfall to the government’s failure to adequately support the organization.

  • Akufo-Addo to visit areas impacted by Akosombo dam spillage

    Akufo-Addo to visit areas impacted by Akosombo dam spillage

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo returned from a four-day official visit to the United States On October 15.

    He was invited by the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) to deliver a lecture on global security and leadership, focusing on West Africa’s increasing insecurity.

    Following his return, the Presidential spokesman revealed that the President’s first activity will be a visit to flood-affected areas in the Volta Region, caused by the Akosombo Dam spillage.

    “The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, will on Monday, 16th October 2023, visit the districts severely hit by the floods occasioned by the spillage of the Akosombo Dam.

    “The President will be joined on this tour by members of the Inter-Ministerial Committee, which has been set up to coordinate Government’s response to the flooding and to help bring relief to those affected.

    “The President arrives from his 4-day official visit to the United States this evening,” his statement of October 15 posted on Facebook concluded.

    Meanwhile, the government has established an inter-ministerial committee to address recent floods resulting from the spillage of the Volta and Kpong Dams by the Volta River Authority (VRA). This spillage has caused extensive flooding in communities near the river, particularly in Mepe and Aveyime.

    In an announcement dated October 13, the Ministry of Information stated that President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has directed the formation of this committee to “coordinate government’s response to the unfortunate flooding of some communities following spilling from the Volta Dam.”

    The thirteen-member committee will be chaired by Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema Osei-Opare. Other members of the committee include the Minister of National Security, Albert Kan-Dapaah; Minister for the Interior, Ambrose Dery; Defence Minister, Dominic Nitiwul; Energy Minister, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh; Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta; and the Minister of Local Government, Daniel Kwaku Botwe.

    Additional members include the Minister of Works and Housing, Francis Asenso-Boakye; Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwasi Amoako-Attah; Minister for Environment, Dr. Kwaku Afriyie; Minister for Sanitation, Freda Prempeh; Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor, and the Minister for Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah.

  • Majority of communities affected by Akosombo Dam spillage get back power

    Majority of communities affected by Akosombo Dam spillage get back power

    The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has successfully restored power to Adidome and its neighboring areas by sourcing electricity from Juapong communities.

    This action was taken due to the consequences of the Akosombo Dam spillage.

    However, six communities, including Mafi Tsrawla, remain unconnected due to heavy rainfall, which caused extensive damage to buildings and electricity poles.

    ECG’s Volta Regional Public Relations Officer, Mr. Benjamin Obeng Antwi, explained that the team is assessing the damage and will restore power to the affected areas once the evaluation is complete.

    Mr. Antwi mentioned that ECG continues to supply electricity to the remaining towns from the Aflao Bulk Supply Point (BSP). He also noted that ECG is anticipating increased activity in the affected areas over the weekend and is in communication with GRIDCO to enhance capacity, which has been assured.

    Despite some issues of low voltage during peak hours, the voltage profile has returned to normal, allowing fuel stations, hospitals, car washes, and other heavy equipment facilities to operate efficiently.

    Mr. Antwi urged customers to adhere to necessary safety protocols before using their electrical appliances. He also pointed out that the water level at the Sogakope Bulk Supply Point is rising. Consequently, the company temporarily shut down its station in Sogakope to safeguard it from flooding, which occurred due to the dam spillage. Power has been restored in most affected areas, except for Sogakope.

  • Akosombo Dam spillage: This is about people’s lives, expedite your efforts – Mahama to VRA

    Akosombo Dam spillage: This is about people’s lives, expedite your efforts – Mahama to VRA

    Former President and the 2024 flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama, has appealed to the Volta River Authority (VRA) to expedite their efforts in assisting residents in communities along the Volta River who have been affected by the spillage from the Akosombo Dam.

    The flooding caused by the spillage has led to the evacuation of numerous communities in the north, south, and Central Tongu districts of the Volta Region.

    As a result, many residents are left with no alternative but to attempt to salvage their remaining belongings. On Friday, Mr. Mahama conducted a visit to areas in Sogakope and Sokpoe to assess the consequences of the spillage and engage with the affected communities and families.

    The situation is critical, with even the staff of Comboni Hospital having to evacuate their quarters and take refuge under a pavilion. Patients have also been discharged, leaving only ten individuals in critical condition. If the water levels do not recede soon, they may also need to be discharged.

    “It’s heartbreaking that we may have to let go of these patients,” a nurse said. “But if things don’t get better, we won’t have any other choice.”

    Following his visit and discussions with residents, as well as management and staff of the Comboni Hospital, the former President emphasized the importance of the VRA promptly delivering the promised relief support to the impacted communities.

    In his words, “This is about people’s lives. I will thank the VRA and appeal to them to expedite their efforts because the people are in need. We must help them to cope with the situation.”

    He expressed his disappointment over the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) being unable to provide assistance to the affected communities, primarily due to the absence of relief items.

    Moreover, he observed that the spillage was a consequence of substantial inflows from areas upstream of the dam due to heavy rainfall in the northern regions of the country. He offered advice to the VRA, suggesting that they should contemplate river desilting as a proactive measure.

    “If you don’t spill, it is possible that the dam can give way, and that will be more catastrophic, especially down the southern Volta. But we must dredge so that the extra volumes of water can flow faster. For example, under the Volta Bridge is silted. If it is de-silted, the water will flow away faster.”

    To underscore the pressing need for relief initiatives and the gravity of the situation affecting the people, Mr. Mahama raised the possibility of the hospital having to request families to take custody of the 300 deceased individuals from the mortuary and arrange alternate accommodations for them.

    “We need the government to take this seriously,” a community leader told Mr Mahama. “The lives of our people are at stake, and their well-being should be a top priority.”

  • Move persons to higher grounds before another spillage – Ablakwa tells VRA

    Move persons to higher grounds before another spillage – Ablakwa tells VRA

    The Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has urged the Volta River Authority (VRA) to facilitate the relocation of individuals impacted by the floods resulting from the Akosombo and Kpong Dam spillage to higher ground before another round of spillage is carried out.

    Ablakwa’s constituency has been adversely affected by the flooding caused by this spillage, resulting in substantial property damage estimated to be worth millions of dollars.

    In a tweet, he wrote, “I urge VRA to ensure all those in affected areas are relocated to higher ground before carrying out another round of discharge.”

    Due to the ongoing controlled spillage of the Akosombo Dam by the Volta River Authority (VRA), the Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) has been forced to carry out an emergency shutdown of its substation in Sogakope. This decision was made in the interest of safety to prevent the risk of electrocution, loss of life, and related hazards.

    The flooding in the vicinity of the substation is a direct result of the controlled spillage, as announced by the VRA last month. The spillage plan includes both the Akosombo Dam and the Kpong Dam due to the consistent increase in the inflow pattern. Residents living along the Volta River and downstream were previously alerted to take necessary precautionary measures.

    As a consequence of this situation, residents in Sogakope and nearby areas have experienced power outages. However, GRIDCo has assured the public that power will be restored once the situation improves.

  • Victims of Akosombo Dam spillage receive support from VRA, NADMO

    Victims of Akosombo Dam spillage receive support from VRA, NADMO

    The Volta River Authority (VRA), in partnership with the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), has provided essential relief supplies to communities affected by the water spillage from the Akosombo and Kpong Dam.

    These relief items consist of mattresses, blankets, various food supplies, clothing, and toiletries. They are intended to alleviate the hardships faced by the communities impacted by the increased spill rate.

    In a news release sent to the Ghana News Agency in Accra, it was mentioned that the VRA is dedicated to easing the difficulties of these affected communities while closely monitoring the spill’s impact on areas in the lower Volta basin.

    This act of delivering relief supplies took place on Wednesday, October 11, 2023. The items were received on behalf of the affected communities by Mr. Eric Nana Agyemang Prempeh, the Director General of NADMO.

    The controlled spillage, initiated by the VRA on Friday, September 15, 2023, was prompted by a consistent rise in the inflow pattern and water levels in the Akosombo reservoir.

    “In line with its emergency preparedness plan and standard operating procedures, the Authority notified its stakeholders, including the downstream communities”, the VRA said.

    The Authority reiterated that it would continue to work with NADMO and other stakeholders to monitor the situation and provide regular updates to the public.