We’ve committed GH¢20m toward relief efforts for Akosombo dam spillage victims – VRA

The Volta River Authority (VRA) has disclosed that it has spent over GH¢20 million on relief items for residents affected by the Akosombo Dam spillage.

The VRA indicated that the amount was used to purchase foodstuffs, mattresses, and medical supplies.

A deputy chief executive officer of the VRA, engineer Ken Arthur, said that the VRA is doing its best to alleviate the plight of the over 36,000 people affected by the spillage.

“VRA has also committed GH¢20 million to alleviate the adverse impacts on the affected communities as a result of the unavoidable spillage of excess water into the Akosombo Dam. We wish to assure the public that VRA will continue to monitor the situation and provide the needed support together with NADMO [National Disaster Management Organisation] and the other relevant agencies to ensure the well-being of the affected communities. We reiterate that no one will be left behind in this emergency situation.”

Engineer Ken Arthur also dismissed claims that the VRA failed to sensitise residents ahead of the spillage.

“We took all the necessary steps to ensure that the Dam was not compromised, and we had all the emergency preparedness protocols in place to forewarn the potentially affected persons before the spill event started. I can say that it is the reason we have not recorded any casualties because the potentially affected persons had enough time to move away from the dangerous places.”