Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, MP for North Tongu, has warned of catastrophic consequences if the Akosombo Dam spills again without resettling the victims of the previous spillage. Many victims remain in tents, living in dire conditions.
Ablakwa emphasized the need for urgent action ahead of the Volta River Authority’s (VRA) planned controlled spillage. He disclosed that some victims of the previous disaster are still living in temporary shelters. The VRA announced upcoming community engagements regarding the spillage.
Speaking in parliament, Ablakwa revealed the exercise is scheduled for August 1, according to his checks with the VRA. He questioned why the parliamentary probe, instituted by Speaker Alban Bagbin, had not informed the public about the impending spillage.
“Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I remind you and this house that it has been 10 good months since the September 15 spillage, which caused untold devastation. More than 60,000 people were displaced; in my constituency alone, over 12,000 were displaced,” Ablakwa said.
“We filed a motion, and Mr. Speaker assured us there would be a committee of inquiry. The aim was to learn lessons and avoid such disasters in the future. Best practices worldwide involve conducting probes after such disasters to lead to institutional reforms and far-reaching recommendations.”
Ablakwa highlighted the ongoing struggles of those still living in tents. “If you go to Mepe Degomey Camp 1 or Mepe Degomey Camp 2, there are hundreds of our fellow citizens still living in tents. How do you think they feel hearing about another spillage soon?”
MP for Oforikrom, Dr. Emmanuel Marfo, demanded that the sector minister be brought to parliament to address the issue. His call was supported by the MP for Okaikwei Central, Patrick Yaw Boamah. MP for Asuogyaman, Ampem Nyarko, who has filed an urgent question on the matter, urged the speaker to summon the ministry.
Deputy Majority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, stated that parliament will hold a closed-door engagement with the Ministry for Energy regarding the situation.
Heavy downpours in Ghana’s Lower Volta area led to the worst flooding in the region’s history. The flooding was caused by a deliberate release of water from the Akosombo Dam. Over 26,000 people were displaced, although no deaths have been officially reported.
The last recorded spillage occurred in 2010. The VRA, which manages the Akosombo Dam, opened the floodgates to release pressure on the dam following unusually high rainfall. By September, Volta Lake, the vast 400 km-long reservoir behind the dam, had reached full capacity. A month after the spillage began, communities along the Volta River were severely impacted by the excess water.
Local residents fled to safety, abandoning most of their belongings. Farms were submerged, and crops were destroyed. Stores and businesses in low-lying areas suffered extensive damage.
Ablakwa’s plea for urgent resettlement and preparation for the next spillage resonated with many in parliament. He highlighted the lack of progress on the committee of inquiry, stressing the need for institutional reforms to prevent future disasters.
“We must ensure that victims are resettled and protected before any further spillage occurs,” Ablakwa stated. “This is a matter of urgency and compassion.”
The calls for the sector minister’s accountability and the planned closed-door session with the Ministry for Energy indicate the gravity of the situation. MPs are united in their concern for the affected communities and the need for swift action.
As the VRA plans the controlled spillage, the focus remains on ensuring that victims of the previous disaster are adequately resettled. The government must act quickly to prevent another humanitarian crisis. The lessons from the past spillage must guide future actions to protect vulnerable communities.
Source: Ghana Web
