The Ministry of Energy has defended the Volta River Authority’s controlled spillage of excess water from the Akosombo Dam, stating it was the only viable solution to prevent its collapse.
The VRA was compelled to take drastic action due to the unusually high water levels in the dam’s reservoir, as explained by sector minister Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh.
“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 spill’s disruption but emphasized its necessity for dam protection and downstream communities’ safety. He assured them of the government’s commitment to providing relief and support.
Mr. Opoku Prempeh reported that the VRA catchment area experienced a 74% higher rainfall pattern this year compared to the long-term average.
Over 39,000 people were successfully evacuated without injuries, and NADMO provided relief items to alleviate their burden. VRA sent officers to various districts to ensure proper sharing of relief items.
Meanwhile, in response to the Minister, Member of Parliament for North Tongu Constituency Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwah stated unequivocally that the energy minister’s claims that members of Parliament were consulted before the spillage were false.
As a result, he refutes claims made by the minister and others that VRA and the government have presented him with relief items. He bemoaned his constituents’ current situation, in which they live in classrooms with no toilets, facilities, or bathrooms. Mr. Ablakwah expressed concern about how the disaster has impacted education and the daily lives of his people. He flatly blamed VRA officials for failing to put adequate safeguards in place before the spill.
However, the member of Parliament for Mpraeso Constituency in the Eastern Region, Davis Opoku, also commented on the minister’s state and challenged Hon. Okudzeto Ablakwah and described all his comments as untrue because there is a post on Ablakwah’s Facebook page where the finance minister is seen in the affected area with relief items.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
