Akosombo dam spillage: Need for effective control to minimise impact - Report

The Volta River Authority decided to spill excess water from the Akosombo dam in 2023. This decision was necessary but lacked effective control measures. A new report from the technical team highlights this issue.

To minimize downstream impacts, a designated floodplain should be established. This floodplain would accommodate spill discharges in both the short and medium term. It would also address uncertainties related to climate change in the long term.

Mr. Kirk Koffi, Chairman of the committee, presented these findings to Mr. Richard Gyan Mensah. Mr. Mensah is the Deputy Minister of Energy and Green Transition in Accra. The report suggests improving public infrastructure in the floodplain, including Sogakope bridge and local hospitals.

Mr. Koffi emphasized the urgent need for a Legislative Instrument for the downstream floodplain. This law would prevent people from settling or building in those areas.