Ablakwa decries absence of gov’t inquiry into Akosombo Dam spillage
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament for the North Tongu Constituency, has decried the government’s lack of commitment to investigate the circumstances surrounding the Akosombo dam spillage exercise, which displaced thousands of residents in the area.
The spillage had a terrible impact on the indigenous people who live along the Volta River downstream, with Mepe being the most affected community.
According to initial reports, about 8,000 people had been displaced across eight communities, but the figure rose to an alarming 31,000 as of October 19. Families have been evicted from their homes, losing their possessions and means of subsistence overnight.
Speaking on TV3’s Hot Issues on Sunday, February 25, the ranking member on Parliament’s foreign affairs committee told Keminni Amanor, “It is mind-boggling that up to this point, we haven’t had the Executive carry out an inquiry.”
“I expected the investigation to happen on multiple fronts. I expected the VRA [Volta River Authority] itself would have carried out an internal inquiry into this matter and published that report. Elsewhere, that would have happened,” he added.
Moreover, the North Tongu lawmaker emphasised that he equally expected the executive, led by the President and the commander-in-chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, to have commenced a separate inquiry into the disaster.
“I expected a commission of inquiry on the part of the executive, which hasn’t happened,” he said, adding, “It is very disappointing; it shows a certain level of leadership failure”.
The Volta River Authority (VRA) on October 31 officially ended the spillage of excess water from the Akosombo Dam. The spillage, described as a control exercise by the Authority, began on Friday, September 15.
“The end of the controlled spillage notwithstanding, VRA is committed to continuing its relief and rehabilitation efforts until lives and livelihoods are restored.
“VRA wishes to take this opportunity to acknowledge the various Government agencies and stakeholders for their support to impacted communities,” the Authority said in a statement.
However, areas around the Lower Volta River were flooded during the over-one-month spillage, devastating homes and leaving thousands displaced.
Several organisations including Media General mobilised relief efforts for the thousands of victims.