The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has directed a parliamentary investigation into the recent Akosombo Dam spillage, which led to catastrophic consequences for residents living along the Lower Volta Basin.
On September 15, the Volta River Authority (VRA) commenced the spilling of excess water due to rising levels of the Akosombo and Kpong Hydro Dams.
Weeks after the spillover began, severe flooding resulted in the loss of homes and farmlands for many residents across nine affected districts.
Heart-wrenching stories have emerged from the South, Central, and North Tongu districts in the Volta Region, where the devastation had been particularly severe. Communities including Battor, Tefle, Mepe, Sogakope, Adidome, and Anlo were submerged underwater.
The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) reported that over 26,000 people were displaced and left homeless.
In response to the crisis, various institutions and individuals have donated relief items to the affected communities. However, some members of the public have criticized the VRA for not adequately sensitizing the affected areas before the spillage.
Speaker Bagbin expressed his concern over the extensive devastation, stating that it “cuts across from the coasts up to the north, and so many more constituencies are affected. Not just those downstream alone, therefore the task is enormous and we need to work on it together.”
He deemed it unacceptable that such a potentially destructive activity as dam spillover was executed without a well-prepared security and safety plan.
Therefore, he asserted that Parliament would take necessary actions to investigate the matter and provide recommendations to safeguard lives and property along the Volta Lake and other riverbed settlements.
Speaker Bagbin emphasized that this is a national imperative, and Parliament is committed to playing a leading role in addressing the issue to protect the nation's interests.
Meanwhile, the VRA announced that they have concluded the spillage of the Akosombo Dam.
However, they reassured the public that they remain committed to relief and rehabilitation efforts until lives and livelihoods are fully restored.