“THE CONTROLLED SPILLAGE LED TO PRESERVATION OF LIVES, THE DAM AND THE BRIDGE” – ENERGY MINISTER

Dr Mathew Opoku Prempeh, Energy Minister has defended the spillage of water from the Akosombo and Kpong Dams by the Volta River Authority (VRA).

Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Wednesday, November 8 on the spillage, Energy Minister Dr Mathew Opoku Prempeh said the spillage was the only option to ensure the safety of the dam.

He revealed that the controlled spillage led to the preservation of lives, the Akosombo Dam and Sogakope Bridge.

“The controlled spillage led to the preservation of lives, the Akosombo Dam and Sogakope Bridge…Thankfully no death has been recorded. We are still observing the inflows and if it becomes necessary we will spill. If the VRA had not been proactive, the water would have overtopped the dam which would have had unimaginable catastrophe on the people,…spillage was the only option to ensure the safety of the dam,” Energy Minister Dr Mathew Opoku Prempeh told Parliament.

VRA began the controlled water spillage from the Akosombo and Kpong Dams on September 15, 2023, citing a consistent rise in the inflow pattern and water level of the Akosombo reservoir as reasons.

Residents in South Tongu, North Tongu, Central Tongu, Asuogyaman, and several other areas had their homes submerged and others displaced due to the spillage.

Thousands were displaced as a result of the spillage as most of the victims lost their homes, farms, and businesses to floods.

The lawmaker added that the VRA is still observing the inflows and that the water will be spilled again if it becomes necessary.