VRA Meets Interior Ministry and Security Agencies on Possible Precautionary Spillage of Akosombo Dam

As part of the annual stakeholder engagements for the Volta River Authority’s Emergency Preparedness Plan, officials of VRA led by the Deputy Chief Executive (Services), Ing. Ken Arthur, met with the Minister of the Interior, the Honourable Henry Quartey and representatives of various security agencies.

The meeting follows the Volta River Authority's ongoing sensitization efforts in downstream communities south of the Akosombo Dam, which were impacted by the spillage last year. The VRA has so far engaged traditional authorities, religious leaders and opinion leaders in the North Tongu and South Tongu Districts at sensitization workshops.

Tabling the issues, Ing. Arthur explained that the stakeholder engagement and community sensitization have become necessary due to the rainy season and the anticipated volumes that could occur. He stated, that, the precautionary spill could become a necessity if the volume of rains go up, even though the current level of water in the Akosombo Dam is relatively lower than same time as last year.

The Minister of the Interior, Henry Quartey, suggested that the scope of engagements be widened in order not to leave out any critical groups and individuals who are likely to be affected in the event of the possible spillage.

On the part of the security agencies, the representatives assured of their readiness and support should there be the need for a precautionary spillage.

Present at the meeting included the Deputy Minister, the Honourable Naana Eyiah, Ag. Chief Director at the Ministry of the Interior, Doreen Annan, Technical Advisor at the Ministry of the Interior, Samuel Amankwah.

From the security and relief agencies; Comptroller/General K.A.Takyi of the Ghana Immigration Service, CFO Julius Kuunuor from the Ghana National Fire Service, COP Mohammed Suraj from the Ghana Police Service, Lt. Col. Alex Twumasi and Maj. Joshua Satekla from the Ghana Army, Nana Agyemang Prempeh, Director NADMO, PAEMT Alhassan Mohammed from the National Ambulance Service, Seji Saji from NADMO.

Also present from VRA were the Acting Director, Water Resources/Renewable Energy, Ing. Abdul Noor Wahab and Manager, Corporate Communications & Branding, Francis Abban.

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