Parliament will launch an inquiry into Akosombo Dam spillage – Speaker Bagbin

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has hinted that the house will launch an inquiry into the spillage of the Akosombo dam by the Volta River Authority (VRA).

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

Farmlands have also been 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.

Commenting on the development in parliament on Tuesday, Speaker Bagbin said it was unacceptable for the VRA to have carried out the spillage without a well-thought-through security and safety preparedness plan.

“But let me say that it is unacceptable that an activity as potentially destructive as dam spillage was done without a well-thought-through security and safety preparedness plan. As such, parliament will take the necessary action to enquire into the matter and make recommendations for the protection of property and lives living along the Volta River and lake and other settlements along river birds.

“This is a national assignment and parliament should be seen to be leading in finding solutions to this somehow perennial problem confronting the nation,” he stated.

Bagbin also urged all MPs to rally behind their colleagues whose constituencies had been affected by the spillage.

Meanwhile, VRA has ended its spillage of the Akosombo Dam.

This is contained in a release issued by the Authority on October 30, 2023.

According to the VRA, although, the spillage has ended, they are still committed to relief and rehabilitation efforts until livelihoods are restored.