Residents affected by Akosombo dam spillage ignored prior warnings – NADMO PRO
The National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) has blamed residents living along the lower basin of the Volta River for failing to heed to repeated warnings to evacuate the area in the event of a spillage.
Despite facing criticism from individuals and civil society organizations, NADMO officials defended their actions, asserting that the victims were adversely affected by the Akosombo Dam spillage because they took the warnings for granted.
The Director of Communications at NADMO, George Ayisi, explained their preparedness efforts, stating, “We set up a team comprised of NADMO and the Volta River Authority in March 2023. The technical engagement between NADMO and VRA produced an emergency preparedness plan. Simulation is a part of the emergency preparedness plan. In May, we had the simulation exercise, where we engaged all the people in all the 9 districts.”
Mr Ayisi further emphasized their extensive engagement with stakeholders and the community, including simulation exercises and concurrent preparation activities.
“The people were aware, but they didn’t believe the spillage was going to be done, because in 2022, VRA warned of a spillage, the people were informed, but it didn’t happen. So, they thought last year we came and told them but nothing happened, same would be repeated this time,” he said on Citi News, monitored by theghanareport.com.
He further clarified that these warnings, although seemingly repetitive, were crucial in ensuring the safety of residents during the spillage.
Despite the widespread flooding affecting thousands of residents in various districts, NADMO credits the warnings for preventing any loss of life in the region.
The Volta River Authority (VRA) commenced the controlled water spillage from the Akosombo and Kpong Dams on September 15, 2023, due to a consistent rise in the inflow pattern and water level of the Akosombo reservoir.
Thousands of residents in South Tongu, North Tongu, Central Tongu, Asuogyaman, and several other districts have had their homes submerged due to the spillage.