Spillage the only way to save the Dam-Minister of Energy

The Ministry of Energy has come forward to justify the Volta River Authority’s (VRA) controlled release of excess water from the Akosombo Dam, emphasizing that it was a crucial measure to prevent the dam from collapsing.

In a briefing to Parliament, Energy Minister Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh explained that the VRA had to take immediate action due to the exceptionally high water levels in the dam’s reservoir. He highlighted that if the VRA had not proactively initiated the spill on September 15, the water coming into the reservoir could have overtopped the Akosombo Dam, leading to catastrophic consequences for the people.

Acknowledging the challenges posed by the flooding and the displacement of thousands of residents in the Volta and Greater Accra Regions, Dr. Opoku Prempeh stressed the necessity of the spill to avert an unimaginable disaster. Despite the inconveniences caused, he reiterated that it was an essential step to protect both the dam and the communities downstream.

Assuring the affected areas, the Minister expressed the government’s commitment to providing assistance and support to mitigate the impact of the controlled release of water from the Akosombo Dam.