The Minister for the Greater Accra Region, Linda Ocloo, has assured the Volta River Authority (VRA) of the full backing and collaboration of the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) in strengthening emergency preparedness and minimizing the impact of controlled spillages from the Akosombo and Kpong Dams.
Speaking at a workshop on the Emergency Preparedness Plan (EPP) and Environmental Management Plan (EMP) organised by the VRA in Accra, Madam Ocloo emphasized the urgency of coordinated action in the face of climate-related threats and dam management challenges.
“This workshop could not have come at a better time. Some districts in our region were gravely impacted during the recent controlled spillage of the Akosombo Dam.
“Let me take this opportunity to assure the VRA of the full support and collaboration of the Regional Coordinating Council.
“We are deeply interested in the Emergency Preparedness Plan and are committed to working hand-in-hand with all stakeholders to ensure that lives and properties of our citizens are safeguarded at all times.”
The workshop brought together key regional and district-level officials, including members of the Regional Security Council (REGSEC), District Chief Executives, NADMO officials, and traditional leaders.
Discussions focused on strengthening local response mechanisms and increasing awareness of both the EPP and EMP.
The Minister concluded her address by urging participants to actively engage in the sessions. “Let us exchange ideas, ask critical questions, and strengthen our collective ability to respond to emergencies and manage our environment responsibly,” she said.
Francis Abban, Corporate Communications Specialist at VRA, outlined the Authority’s approach to stakeholder engagement. “We have made it a point to sensitize all stakeholders in the potentially affected districts annually. These engagements span the Eastern, Volta, and Greater Accra Regions, targeting district-level actors to ensure everyone understands their roles in the Emergency and Environmental Preparedness Plans,” he said.
Mr.Abban further explained that the plans are guided by inundation maps that identify three key regions and ten districts that could be affected by dam spillages. In Greater Accra, the districts include Ada East, Ada West, and Shai-Osudoku.
“The feedback we’ve received suggests that stakeholders, from MMDCEs to NADMO and REGSEC, now have a clearer understanding of their responsibilities. This enhances our collective ability to respond swiftly and efficiently in the event of an emergency,” he added.
While reassuring the public, Mr.Abban clarified that current water levels in the Akosombo and Kpong Dams are not at critical points that warrant any emergency discharge.
“As we speak, there is no cause for alarm. If any emergency is imminent, VRA will communicate in real time, as we always do.”
As part of its corporate social responsibility, the VRA also announced a donation of GH¢50,000 to support the upcoming Asafotufiami Festival celebrated by the people of Ada.
This gesture was warmly received as a sign of VRA’s commitment to the local communities most directly impacted by dam operations. Participants at the workshop were taken through key emergency preparedness strategies, including early warning systems, stakeholder coordination and community education initiatives designed to reduce the risks associated with dam-related emergencies.
