Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has formed a seven-member committee to investigate the recent spillage of the Akosombo Dam.
Nearly a year ago, more than 30 constituencies were devastated and submerged after the flood gates of the Akosombo Dam were opened.
This comes after the North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, called on parliament to expedite its probe into the spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong dams.
However, due to delays from the Majority leadership in submitting committee member names, the Speaker took the initiative to form the committee himself.
According to the speaker, the committee will include members of both sides of the house mandate is to thoroughly investigate several critical aspects of the spillage.
The committee will be chaired by MP for Ahafo Ano North, Sulemana Adamu Sanid, with Dr Emmanuel Marfo and Francisca Oteng Mensah also serving as members. Other members include Emmanuel Kwesi Bedzrah, Dr Kwabena Donkor, and a technical expert.
“Establish the circumstances leading to the spillage of excess water from the Akosombo dam. Evaluate the preparedness and response of the Volta River Authority and relevant bodies. Assess the impact of the spillage on the affected communities and the adequacy of the released efforts. Review the protocols and methodologies considered best practice globally to regulate the dam spillage and make recommendation for the consideration of the house on how such disaster can be averted and minimized in the future.
The Speaker added that the committee must also examine global best practices for dam management and make recommendations to prevent and mitigate future disasters.
“We are still confronted in the aftermath of the spillage of the Akosombo dam by the VRA which has plunged thousands of Ghanaians into destitution with loss of property running into billions of Ghana cedis and the disruption of livelihoods has been devastating.
According to the Speaker, the Volta River Authority (VRA) issued a notice on July 5, signed by the Deputy Chief Executive in charge of services, Engineer Ken Arthur, indicating their plan to consult with relevant stakeholders about a potential future spillage of excess water from the Akosombo Dam.
“Concerns have been raised by Ghanaians whose interest we represent in this house about the VRA handling of the situation, particularly regarding the timing and communication of the spillage imperative that we do not allow this matter to be swept under the carpets,” he said.
Credit: Emmanuella Sarfo-Ntow