Volta Region: NDC urges swift action to halt devastation from Akosombo Dam spillage

The Volta Regional chapter of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has expressed grave concern over the uncontrolled spillage of the Akosombo Dam by the Volta River Authority (VRA).

The spillage has caused widespread devastation in 101 communities across five constituencies along the Volta Lake, raising serious concerns about the safety, health, and livelihoods of the affected residents.

James Gunu, the Volta Regional Secretary in in a statement, deplored the devastating impact of the uncontrolled spillage and the devastating effect on lives, homes, and essentials.

“We are not oblivious to the need to safeguard the Akosombo Dam due to excess water. But, what we have seen this year before the spillage is unacceptable.”

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“In the past, VRA took the opportunity to engage in proper stakeholder engagements and sensitization of communities along the banks of the Volta Lake,” he said.

The NDC called on the Volta River Authority to halt the spillage urgently until adequate safety measures could be put in place.

The party criticized the lack of proper stakeholder engagements and community sensitization before the spillage, a departure from past practices, which left residents shocked and unprepared for the flooding.

“We urge the central Government to swiftly respond to this crisis. The affected communities are in dire need of emergency assistance that goes beyond individual efforts. Immediate relief is essential to prevent further harm to the residents,” the statement said.

The consequences of the spillage have been far-reaching. Power cuts have been experienced in the affected areas, impacting essential services such as healthcare. The Adidome Hospital, for instance, has been severely affected, leaving patients in critical condition. Moreover, transportation has been severely disrupted, with roads impassable, forcing residents to resort to boats and canoes, putting their lives at risk.

The following communities have been affected by the spillage:

(a). Communities in the Central Tongu District:

1. Tsetsekpo
2. Siamekome
3. Awadiwoekome
4. Ameamekor
5. Ganakpoetorkor
6. Zortikpo
7. Dugame
8. Old Bakpa
9. Bekpo
10. Kebegodo
11. Afokope
12. Agbotekakope
13. Kebenu
14. Atsemkope
15. Akpokope
16. Dokpo
17. Dove
18. Ahokope
19. Atitekpo
20. Aklamador
21. Gbadakope
22. Dentenu
23. Dorgbadzikope
24. Tuvorkope
25. Akorkorlipe
26. Vugodzi
27. Taykope
28. Ahokope
29. Gbolofor
30. Akuwakpoe

(b). Communities in the South Tongu District

1. Vume
2. Tademe
3. Tefle
4. Sokpoe
5. Sokpoe-Tordome
6. Anaosukope
7. Fievie
8. Fievie-Adidokpoe
9. Xorlortsukope
10. Adoafianyakope
11. Sogakope
12. Gbenorkope
13. Detsawome
14. Agordomi
15. Yorve
16. Agorta
17. Kpontey
18. Nutekpor
19. Dalive
20. Tuanikope
21. Amedormekope
22. Gamenu-Adidokpoe

(c). Communities in the North Tongu District

1. Gblornu
2. Klamadaboe
3. Vome
4. Sikor
5. Dzimakorpe
6. Memordzi
7. Aveyime
8. Battor
9. Mepe
10. Tornu Dorfor
11. Asimekope
12. Dorfor Kome
13. Dorfor London
14. Afaode
15. Korsive
16. Sayikorfe
17. Husikorfe
18. Titikorfe
19. Kodome
20. Tege love
21. Kwamla love
22. Abortia Sapa
23. Torgorme

(d). Communities in the Keta District including the Keta township

1. Kedzikope
2. Abutiakope
3. Vui
4. Seva
5. Atiavi
6. Mamime
7. Hagodzi
8. Agorvinu
9. Sonugbe
10. Wenyagor

(e) Communities affected in Anlo

1. Sakome
2. Agorbledokui
3. Bleamezado
4. Trekume
5. Dosukorpe
6. Nyikutor
7. Suipe
8. Azanu
9. Nyakpatsi
10. Benadzi
11. Penyito
12. Kpordui
13. Klomikpota
14. Fiaxor
15. Atito
16. Genui