The Volta River Authority (VRA) has held its annual stakeholder workshop aimed at strengthening emergency preparedness in communities downstream of the Akosombo and Kpong dams, to help avert flood risks.
The workshop, which focused on the Emergency Preparedness Plan (EPP) and Environmental Management Plan for areas likely to be affected by dam operations, forms part of efforts to equip local authorities, security agencies and residents with the knowledge and tools needed to respond effectively to potential dam-related emergencies, including controlled water spillage.
It brought together district chief executives, members of the Regional Security Council, heads of department and the media to improve flood risk management and environmental safety.
Speaking at the opening ceremony in Accra yesterday, the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, stressed the importance of sustained stakeholder collaboration. She described the initiative as a demonstration of commitment to proactive planning, risk reduction and community resilience.
Ms Ocloo explained that the EPP served as a critical blueprint for responding to emergencies, particularly controlled water spillage or the unlikely event of a dam failure, both of which could have significant impacts on downstream communities.
She noted that the plan also provided for regular engagements across 10 identified districts to educate stakeholders, review procedures and test response capabilities.
According to her, such engagements were essential for building local capacity and ensuring that communities remained prepared for any eventuality.
In a presentation on the EPP, flood risk zones and downstream development, a Senior Engineer at the VRA, Ing. Akosua Owusu-Efaa, identified two main emergency scenarios under the plan: controlled spillage of excess water and a possible dam break, which could release large volumes of water and affect several settlements.
She said clear protocols had been established to guide stakeholders on their roles and responsibilities during emergencies, with emphasis on protecting lives and property.
Ing. Owusu-Efaa explained that the EPP functioned as an early warning system by helping to identify risks, outline response actions and ensure timely communication among relevant institutions.
She added that the plan included monitoring mechanisms such as daily inspections of dam structures by specialised engineering teams and periodic assessments by international experts.
She further indicated that hydrological and meteorological data, including inputs from the Ghana Meteorological Agency, were used to forecast inflows into the dam and guide decision-making.
According to her, the VRA had developed a three-phase emergency classification system, ranging from minor incidents that could be managed internally to severe situations requiring evacuation.
She cautioned that continued construction in flood-prone areas could increase vulnerability and called for stricter planning controls and greater public awareness.
Ing. Owusu-Efaa also stressed the need to strengthen communication systems, including community information centres and mobile networks, to ensure the timely dissemination of warnings.
She reaffirmed the VRA’s commitment to working with stakeholders, including the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), district assemblies and security agencies, to enhance preparedness and safeguard lives and property.
The Ada East District Chief Executive, Kenneth Kabu Kofi Kanor, sharing concerns about flood risks in his district, expressed worry over widespread encroachment on riverbanks and buffer zones.
He said more than 2,000 unauthorised structures had been identified along waterways, many of which had no valid permits and posed serious environmental and safety threats.
Mr Kanor said the assembly was taking steps to demolish such structures, adding that some illegal developments had already been halted.
He appealed for public and media support in efforts to safeguard lives, property and the environment.
BY ABIGAIL ANNNOH
Follow our WhatsApp Channel now! https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbAjG7g3gvWajUAEX12Q
💬 Want a Private Video Call Now?
