Akosombo Dam: If it becomes necessary we will spill again – Energy Minister

The Minister of Energy, Dr Mathew Opoku Prempeh has disclosed that the Volta River Authority (VRA) will spill more water from the Akosombo Dam if it becomes imperative.

While addressing parliament on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, he said officials are monitoring the water inflow into the dam.

“We are still observing the inflows and if it becomes necessary we will spill,” the minister said.

An earlier spillage which began on September 15, displaced about 27,000 people, according to the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO).

Farmlands were also completely submerged, with growing fears of an increase in poverty levels in the affected communities due to the loss of livelihoods in the communities that are known for fishing and farming.

Justifying the spillage, Dr Opoku Prempeh said, spillage was the only option to ensure the safety of the dam.

“If the VRA had not been proactive, the water would have overtopped the dam which would have had unimaginable catastrophe on the people.

“The controlled spillage led to the preservation of lives, the Akosombo Dam and Sogakope Bridge. Thankfully no death has been recorded,” he said.

In a statement issued on October 30, 2023, the VRA announced an end to the spillage of excess water from the dam.

“The end of the controlled spillage notwithstanding, VRA is committed to continuing its relief and rehabilitation efforts until lives and livelihoods are restored,” the statement said.