Dam spillage: 'Let's build mini-dams to reserve water' — Samuel Ayeh-Paye tells VRA

Former Member of Parliament (MP) for Ayensuano constituency, Samuel Ayeh-Paye, has voiced his dismay over the continuous spillage of water from the Akosombo Dam, which has resulted in severe flooding in nearby communities.

As the Ghana Armed Forces go to the ground to rescue some 1800 flood victims, the destruction of properties and the environment has raised significant concerns.

During an interview on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" morning show, Samuel Ayeh-Paye expressed his frustration at the inaction of the Volta River Authority (VRA) in addressing this recurring issue.

He finds it unacceptable that, despite over five decades since the construction of the dam, the excess water is still being released to destroy communities, properties and lives.

Ayeh-Paye suggested the construction of mini-dams along the stretch of the river to reserve water.

According to his proposal, the excess water that flows into the sea should be better managed to ensure that a significant portion is preserved and used for various purposes including irrigation.

"Let us build mini-dams along the stretch of the river to reserve water. The water that goes to join the sea is too much. It should have been that whenever we finish generating the power, less than 10 percent should enter the sea and the rest, we must be able to utilize it," Ayeh-Paye explained.

He called on the Volta River Authority to establish a fund for the construction of the mini-dams as an effective way to manage the water from the Akosombo Dam.

In reaction to the ongoing situation, the government has taken action by forming an inter-ministerial Committee.

A statement from the Ministry of Information confirmed that President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has instructed the establishment of this team “to coordinate the government's response to the unfortunate flooding experienced by various communities due to the spillage from the Volta Dam.”

The committee, led by Chief of Staff Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, comprises thirteen members tasked with addressing the challenges posed by the Akosombo Dam spillage and its impact on affected communities.