Akosombo Dam Spillage probe reveals 15 key failures in response efforts

A five-member committee appointed by President John Mahama has released its report. The report addresses the 2023 Akosombo Dam spillage. It reveals serious gaps in Ghana’s disaster preparedness and response.

The committee is chaired by senior officials from the government and the Volta River Authority (VRA). They presented their findings on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. The panel urges immediate policy reforms to prevent future disasters.

From September 15 to October 30, 2023, the VRA released controlled water from the Akosombo and Kpong dams. This was necessary due to dangerously high water levels threatening dam integrity. However, these releases caused severe flooding in riverside towns like Mepe, Battor, Sogakope, Mafi, Adidome, Kpong, and Ada. Approximately 38,624 residents were displaced, with homes and farmland destroyed.

Emergency operations led by NADMO and VRA helped reduce immediate suffering. Government relief distributions also provided assistance during this crisis.

The committee's report highlights a lack of coordinated flood-mitigation planning. It points out insufficient early-warning systems as well. The report calls for a national disaster management strategy and better inter-agency communication. Investment in resilient infrastructure is also recommended.

In a nationwide address marking his first 120 days in office, President Mahama acknowledged ongoing hardships faced by flood victims. He confirmed that compensation payments are on the way.

He promised to release a government action plan based on the committee’s recommendations soon. This underscores the need for accountability and stronger community protections against future events.

This report is seen as crucial for improving Ghana’s disaster resilience. Stakeholders hope it will lead to legislative changes and institutional reforms.

They want controlled spillages to trigger swift responses instead of humanitarian crises that endanger vulnerable populations.

Here are some key findings regarding the spillage:

1. Water spillage factors include reservoir elevation, rainfall, and energy output.

2. On September 18, 2023, Akosombo Dam recorded a maximum inflow of 477,984 cubic feet per second (cfs).

3. The spill occurred between September 15 and October 30, discharging about 8 Million Acre Feet (MAF) over 46 days.

4. Historical data shows that spillage volumes can be much larger due to climate change uncertainties.

5. The spillage was mainly caused by releasing water to prevent dam overtopping due to high levels.

6. VRA’s Emergency Preparedness Plan outlines roles for all stakeholders during emergencies but faced challenges in clear communication during implementation.

7. Various agencies responded to the disaster; however, gaps in communication and resource allocation were noted.

8. Operational challenges included inadequate local disaster plans and evacuation resources hampering emergency responses.

9. Community members faced challenges such as economic reliance on location and fear of unpredictability when asked to relocate during spills.

10. Some affected individuals remain in tents without privacy while refusing temporary accommodations built by VRA due to shared rooms concerns.