Communities in the North Tongu region of the Volta Region have faced a dire situation as they are engulfed by floodwaters unleashed by the Volta River Authority (VRA) from the Akosombo and Kpong Dams. The consequence of this controlled spillage has led to the displacement of thousands of residents and the destruction of properties worth millions.
Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has voiced concern over the devastating impact of the spillage. In a tweet, he called upon the VRA to ensure the safe relocation of affected individuals to higher ground before proceeding with another round of discharge.
The severity of the situation has prompted the Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) to take precautionary measures by shutting down its substation in Sogakope. This decision was made for safety reasons, aiming to mitigate the risks of electrocution, potential loss of life, and other related dangers resulting from the flooding of the substation and its surroundings.
The controlled spillage of the Akosombo Dam, initiated by the Volta River Authority (VRA), has been responsible for this flooding. The VRA had previously announced its plans to carry out controlled spillage not only from the Akosombo Dam but also from the Kpong Dam, citing a consistent rise in inflow patterns as the reason for these measures.
In anticipation of this situation, the VRA had advised residents residing along the Volta River and downstream areas to take necessary precautions. This inundation has already impacted the power supply to residents in Sogakope and neighboring regions.
GRIDCo, however, offers reassurance that power restoration will be prioritized as soon as the situation improves. Both GRIDCo and VRA have expressed their deep regret for any inconvenience caused by these necessary actions.
