In these difficult times, OccupyGhana stands in solidarity with the communities affected by the recent Akosombo Dam spillage. We are deeply concerned about the devastating consequences of this disaster and the
extensive harm it has caused to our fellow Ghanaians.
As we watch the aftermath unfold, we have followed the official explanations provided for this catastrophe. However, we are far from satisfied. It strains belief that the rapid increase in water volume at the Dam caught us completely off guard, leaving us with no alternative but a massive, destructive spillage. The gravity of this situation cannot be overstated. And it is also alarming to even consider the scale of devastation that could have occurred had the Dam faced complete failure, as tragically witnessed in Derna, Libya, resulting in the reported loss of over 11,000 precious lives.
Our concerns deepen as we contemplate the risk of similar disasters. For example, almost every year, Burkina Faso opens valves of its Bagre Dam to spill excess water. This routinely destroys farmlands, food crops, livestock and houses in portions of northern Ghana. Potable water gets polluted and sometimes, lives are lost. We must also mention the almost-routine Weija Dam spillages and its harmful effects on lives in the area. These raise fundamental questions about our preparedness and response mechanisms.
Are we perpetually at risk of such catastrophic events? Concerning the Akosombo Dam, can we be assured that the Volta River Authority possesses both the means and the foresight to predict and pre-empt such disasters?
One critical aspect that demands immediate attention is how we build along waterways and riverbanks in the catchment areas. We must acknowledge that settlements will continue to exist in these areas, and the manner in which they are developed and constructed must change. We must adapt to ensure that these communities are not unduly exposed to the risk of devastating floods.
We are also concerned whether our precious water resources are harnessed wisely, and whether we have structures that ensure the optimum utilisation of the vast amounts of water that leave the Akosombo and Kpong/Akuse Dams. This is especially in terms of whether this precious resource could provide more clean drinking water and also support irrigation, rather than flowing into the sea.
OccupyGhana firmly believes that the totality of these matters rises to meet the constitutional standard of a ‘matter of public interest [and importance]’ that is sufficiently grave to warrant establishing a Commission of Inquiry, as provided for under Chapter 23 of the Constitution. We earnestly urge the President or Parliament (through a resolution), to take immediate steps to form this Commission. Ghanaians have a right to know the precise cause(s) of this catastrophe and whether it was preventable.
If it could have been prevented, those responsible should be held accountable, which may include their removal from their positions. If there are indications of criminal acts or negligence, we expect independent police investigations leading to prosecutions. And if it was indeed an unforeseeable event, this experience has made it foreseeable, and we need to know and understand the measures to be put in place to prevent such a disaster in the future.
We stand for transparency, accountability and the well-being of our nation. Our call for an independent Commission of Inquiry is rooted in the conviction that the full truth must be uncovered, lessons must be learned to safeguard our people and our future, and that responsible rural and urban planning and development are crucial to mitigate future risks.
We express our gratitude to all those who have been involved in the mobilisation of emergency relief support for the displaced communities. Your dedication to providing aid in these challenging times is commendable, and we appreciate your unwavering support.
Together, let us strive for a safer and more secure future.
OccupyGhana –
For God and Country.
