Dumsor looms as El Niño could reduce Akosombo Dam inflows and affect power generation – GMet official

The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) has warned that prolonged dry conditions associated with the El Niño weather phenomenon could put pressure on the country’s water resources, with possible consequences for inflows into the Akosombo Dam and hydroelectric power generation.

Deputy Director and Head of Research and Applied Meteorology at GMet, Francisca Martey, said below-normal rainfall across parts of West Africa could affect water bodies shared by Ghana and neighbouring countries.

Speaking in an interview with Joy FM, she explained that the weather phenomenon could trigger reduced rainfall across the region, potentially affecting water resources that depend on precipitation beyond national borders.

She acknowledged that a decline in rainfall within the Volta River basin could reduce the volume of water flowing into the Akosombo Dam, with possible implications for electricity production.

“Exactly. Because normally, although the El Niño affects the whole country, its impact is higher in the north,” she said.

Ms Martey identified northern Ghana as particularly vulnerable, warning that the region could experience extended dry conditions in the coming months.

She further cautioned that prolonged dry spells could worsen pressure on available water resources, as water reserves in some areas gradually diminish.

Her warning comes amid concerns about the potential effects of below-normal rainfall on water availability and Ghana’s dependence on hydroelectric power generation.