A five-member committee tasked by the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor to investigate the circumstances leading to the spillage of water from the Akosombo Dam in 2023, has asserted that the exercise was a necessary evil.
This is among other findings made by the Committee in a 126-page report submitted to the Minister on May 7, 2025.
“The spillage was primarily caused by releasing approximately 8 MAF volumes of water from the Akosombo Dam to prevent the dam’s destruction (overtopping) due to high reservoir water levels. Other contributing factors included unprecedented rainfall due to climate change and human activities exacerbating flood risks. Breaching the dam could have resulted in a catastrophic chain of events in the country,” a portion of the report signed by Chairman of the Committee, Ing. Kirk Koffi reads.
“While there were efforts to provide immediate assistance, gaps in communication, resource allocation, and community engagement were identified,” the report further revealed.
According to the report, “The Committee noted operational challenges, such as a lack of local disaster preparedness plans and inadequate evacuation resources, that hampered the emergency response process.”
It therefore recommended among others; “Establish and regularly update comprehensive disaster preparedness plans locally, referencing the VRA’s Emergency Preparedness Plan (EPP). Simplify the EPP to make it user-friendly by adopting strategies to interpret it in infographics and using local languages in its communication.”
“…a designated floodplain should be delineated to accommodate spill discharges of up to 497,936cfs (14,100m3/s), i.e., a 1:50-year flood in the short term to medium term in response to climate change uncertainties and 1:100 years, i.e. 540,313cfs (15,300m3/s), in the Long Term. Resilience improvement projects should consider critical public infrastructure upgrades located in the floodplain, e.g., Sogakope bridge, hospitals, etc.”
The Committee further recommended that, “A resettlement plan should be considered for all people and properties located in the floodplain. A Legislative Instrument for the downstream floodplain (contour line) is required to prevent inhabitants from settling or building in that floodplain.”
Read full report below:
