The Ministry of Energy has defended the controlled spillage of excess water from the Akosombo Dam by the Volta River Authority (VRA), stating that it was the only option to prevent the dam from collapsing.
The spill, which began on September 15, caused significant flooding in parts of the Volta and Greater Accra Regions, displacing thousands of residents and destroying several properties.
In a brief presented to Parliament, Energy Minister Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh explained that the VRA was forced to take drastic action due to the unusually high levels of water in the dam’s reservoir.
“If the VRA had not been proactive in spilling this year, the water coming into the reservoir would have overtopped Akosombo Dam, which would have had an unimaginable catastrophic impact on the people,” Dr. Opoku Prempeh said.
The Minister acknowledged the disruption caused by the spill but insisted that it was a necessary step to protect the dam and the people downstream.
He also assured the affected communities that the Government is committed to providing relief and support.
