Devastating effect of Akosombo Dam Spillage

The Asuogyaman district in the Eastern region of Ghana is currently facing a devastating flood disaster due to the ongoing spillage from the Akosombo Dam. The controlled spillage, initiated by the Volta River Authority (VRA), has intensified in response to rising water levels upstream of the Akosombo Dam, primarily caused by heavy rainfall.

This situation has led to the catastrophic flooding affecting numerous fishing communities, displacing hundreds of residents and causing significant damage to homes and livelihoods. In this article, we will explore the events leading up to this disaster, its impact on the affected communities, and the urgent need for coordinated response and support.

The VRA initiated the controlled spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong Dams on September 15, 2023, in response to the continuous increase in water levels upstream of the Akosombo Dam. It is believed that the primary contributing factor to this rise was the heavy rainfall that the region had been experiencing. Over the past few days, the controlled spillage has intensified as the threat to the dams became more significant.

As of October 10, 2023, the water level in the Volta Lake had risen to 276.65 feet, marking an increase of 0.22 feet compared to the previous day. The spill situation reached 2,547 cubic meters per second (m3/s), while the turbine flow for power generation stood at 1,416 m3/s. The expected total discharge was estimated at 3,986 m3/s. These figures illustrate the severity of the situation and the need for decisive action.

The catastrophic flooding caused by the Akosombo Dam spillage has had a profound impact on various fishing communities in the Asuogyaman district. Areas such as Kokonte Kpedzi, Abume, Kudikope, Ahenbrom, Dzidzokope, Mama kope, and many others have been severely affected. Homes have been submerged, and fish cages containing substantial quantities of fish have been swept away, with others resulting in the death of fish due to high turbidity and shock.

In Kokonte Kpedzi, seven children have been reported injured, several houses have collapsed, and fish cages were carried away by the surging waters. Local fisherman Simon Amedzake described the dire situation, stating, “Thousands of fishes are dead and being harvested. We used cables to hook some of the cages to trees to salvage them from being carried away. In fact, the situation is bad. Many investments have been lost, and sources of livelihood have been disrupted. We need VRA to compensate us because they didn’t inform us.”

Member of Parliament for Asuogyaman, Thomas Ampem Nyarko, visited the affected communities on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, to assess the extent of the damage. He called upon the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) to collect data on the affected individuals and assess the extent of losses to build a strong case for emergency relief intervention. Nyarko’s visit highlighted the urgent need for coordinated response and support for the affected communities and emphasized the importance of proactive communication and assistance from authorities.

Many communities, private individuals among others, and even some state institutions affected by the floods are blaming the VRA for poor communication and preparedness, which they believe contributed to the devastating impact of the spillage. The lack of timely information and preparedness measures has left communities vulnerable to the consequences of the dam spillage.

This situation calls for a comprehensive review of the VRA’s spillage protocols, communication strategies, and measures to mitigate the impact on downstream communities. Additionally, one can see that there is a growing demand for compensation for the losses incurred by affected individuals and communities. It is essential for the VRA to acknowledge its role in this disaster and take responsibility for the consequences, including providing compensation to those who have suffered losses.

The devastating flooding in the Asuogyaman district, triggered by the spillage from the Akosombo Dam, is a distressing reminder of the vulnerability of communities to environmental changes and the importance of effective communication and preparedness measures. As residents continue to grapple with the devastation caused by the flooding, it is imperative that authorities, including the VRA and NADMO, work together to provide relief and support to those affected.

The many lessons learned from this disaster should serve as a catalyst for improved spillage protocols, enhanced communication with affected communities, and a commitment to compensate those who have suffered losses. In doing so, we can ensure that such catastrophes do not repeat themselves in the future and that the affected communities can begin to rebuild their lives and livelihoods.