In September of this year, the Volta River Authority (VRA) initiated a water release exercise from the over-six-decade-old Akosombo Dam to prevent overflow due to recent heavy rainfall. Unfortunately, this spill has adversely impacted numerous communities along the river and beyond, causing property damage and displacing residents in the affected areas.
A similar operation took place at the Kpong Dam, located in Ghana’s Eastern Region. The combined effect of these spillages has resulted in severe flooding in many Tongu communities, including Tefle, Wume, Sokpoe, Agorme, Agbave, Aloryi, Tademe, Aguwapkoe, Tsatsekpo, Siamekome, Zortikpo, and Old Bakpa. In total, at least thirty-two communities in the Central Tongu districts are affected, with numerous homes submerged in both North and South Tongu.
The consequences of these actions have been devastating. Many residents have lost their livelihoods, including farms, businesses, and properties worth millions of Ghanaian Cedis. Importantly, health facilities and mortuaries in these areas are also inundated. This tragedy has left many, particularly women and children, homeless, as they seek refuge on the streets and higher ground for survival.
Inadequate Communication
Experts believe that the Volta River Authority (VRA) failed to provide adequate information to residents living near Volta Lake to allow them to evacuate or move to higher ground before the September 15, 2023 spillage. This lack of communication exacerbated the devastation we are currently witnessing.
Most residents I spoke to reported not being informed about the spillage in advance. Some also indicated there was a radio advertisement a few days before the spillage, but it was insufficient.
This claim was rejected by the VRA. The VRA indicated a combined stimulation exercise by its outfit and the National Disaster Management Authority (NADMO) in the area. The campaign for stimulation and education may not have been adequate enough since some of the communities affected by the spillage were distance away from the Volta Lake.
The President’s Speech
President Nana Akufo Addo led a government delegation to tour the affected communities, aiming to assess the flood’s impact on the citizenry. However, as is often the case, the President’s response raised concerns. In the face of this disaster, he seemed to choose to express his pettiness, and insensitivity, or even engage in jest.
Addressing the Chiefs and people of the Volta Region, who were already devastated by the controlled spillage, the President appeared more as a spectator than a compassionate leader. His words, as translated into Ewe by the Regional Minister, Dr. Archibald Letsa, included: “I came here because Ghanaians are having difficulties and are suffering. It is my responsibility to try and help because if it is a question of counting who voted for me and who didn’t, I shouldn’t be here.” Such statements from the President, while not unfamiliar, can be seen as offensive and divisive in a time of crisis.
People have lost everything they had, struggling to find their next meal or a place to sleep, particularly women and children. Having a President who appears to “mock” them during such a trying time is disappointing. The spillage, after all, was meant to be a controlled exercise.
The Silent Chiefs
The continued silence of some traditional authorities in the Volta Region is troubling. In times when people expect the chiefs to address national issues, they often remain silent.
Currently, the Anlo District, Keta Municipality, and Ketu South are all grappling with the effects of high tidal waves along the Atlantic Ocean. Many have lost their homes and businesses to the sea. Unfortunately, government, under President Akufo Addo, has shown little interest in addressing this menace. Regrettably, the chiefs have also failed to provide strong leadership during this critical period of stewardship. They have not issued any statements that could draw government attention to help save the remaining lands in Keta and its surroundings.
The chiefs have also remained silent regarding the current spillage by the VRA, affecting residents in the Tongu area. One may wonder if they are unaware of the cries of their subjects in North Tongu or if they are indifferent to the struggles of those in Central and South Tongu, Anlo, Keta, and Aflao.
National Security’s Role
It is reasonable to assume that National Security has initiated investigations into the actions of the VRA. What is happening at the Akosombo Dam is clearly a National Security issue, hence, the VRA could not have engaged in a spillage of this magnitude without the National Security Council’s knowledge.
The role of National Security is not limited to combating terrorism and fighting foreign and domestic threats against the sovereignty of the state but putting in place adequate measures that will ensure the safety of the citizenry and the protection of their assets. Sadly, The National Security failed on its mandate especially in the area of human security considering situations like we are currently witnessing as a result of the spillage of the Kpong and the Akosombo Dams.
Hospitals have been affected by this spillage, including entire mortuaries submerging into the water, which raises concerns about potential health hazards. Roads in some affected communities have been completely cut off, with the Sogakorfe Bridge currently under threat. Farms and businesses in the catchment area have also suffered severe losses.
The National Security Minister, Mr Ken Dapaa should address the nation and explain to Ghanaians especially those who have been affected by this” man-made “ disaster why his outfit failed to foresee the effect of the spill of this magnitude. The managers of both the Akosombo and Kpong Dams should be investigated and possible sanctions applied. The question is what measures did the VRA put in place to minimize the damage caused by the spill?
It’s important to clarify that this flood was not a natural disaster but a deliberate and calculated effort by the VRA that spilt water from the Akosombo and Kpong Dams that destroyed several communities in the Volta Region hence, the institution must take responsibility for the disaster.
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