A five-member investigative committee appointed by President John Dramani Mahama has submitted a detailed report on the 2023 Akosombo Dam spillage, highlighting systemic failures in disaster preparedness.
The committee called for urgent policy reforms to prevent similar crises in the future.
Presenting its findings on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, the committee pointed to significant shortcomings in flood mitigation planning and coordination. The Volta River Authority (VRA) had carried out controlled spillage from the Akosombo and Kpong dams between September 15 and October 30, 2023, due to dangerously high water levels that threatened the structural integrity of the dams.
While the spillage was deemed necessary, it triggered severe flooding in communities along the Volta River, displacing an estimated 38,624 people. Affected towns included Mepe, Battor, Sogakope Mafi, Adidome, Kpong, and Ada. Victims lost homes, livelihoods, and access to basic services.
The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and VRA coordinated emergency response efforts, while the government distributed relief items to affected areas. However, the scale of devastation underscored the need for a more robust national disaster strategy.
In a national address marking his first 120 days in office, President Mahama acknowledged the ongoing hardship and confirmed that compensation for affected victims is in progress, with initial disbursements expected soon.
The government is set to release a comprehensive action plan based on the committee’s recommendations. The report is seen as a crucial step toward improving accountability, enhancing resilience, and ensuring the safety of communities vulnerable to future disasters.
Read below the detailed key findings regarding the spillage:
1. Factors that determine water spillage from the dam include reservoir elevation, rainfall and energy output from the power plant.
2. The Akosombo Dam recorded a maximum water inflow of 477,984 cubic feet per second (cfs) on September 18, 2023, at the Akosombo hydrometric station.
3. The 2023 Spill occurred between September 15 and October 30, 2023. The total volume of water discharged from the spillway was approximately 8 Million Acre Feet (MAF) for 46 days.
4. Historical spillage exercises have shown that in 1968, the volume was 5 times the volume spilled in 2023, indicating that there could be larger volumes of spill in the future due to climate change uncertainties.
5. Examination of Events Leading to Spillage: The spillage was primarily caused by releasing approximately 8 MAF volumes of water from the Akosombo Dam to prevent the dam’s destruction (overtopping) due to high reservoir water levels. Other contributing factors included unprecedented rainfall due to climate change and human activities exacerbating flood risks. Breaching the dam could have resulted in a catastrophic chain of events in the country.
6. VRA’s Emergency Preparedness Plan (EPP): The EPP specifies the roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders, including VRA, NADMO, District Assemblies, Security Agencies, etc., when an emergency occurs. The EPP was used to manage the disaster caused by the spillage and was the most technical document to be understood by various non-technical stakeholders. While VRA had socialised the document with all stakeholders and conducted a simulation exercise for some selected communities before the spill, high turnout and divisions amongst some District Chief Executives (DCEs)/Metropolitan Chief Executives (MCEs) and Members of Parliament (MPs) could have derailed clear communication lines for implementing the plan and distribution of relief items.
7. Assessment of Actions Taken: The response involved various government agencies, including the Volta River Authority (VRA) and the National Disaster
Management Organisation (NADMO). While there were efforts to provide immediate assistance, gaps in communication, resource allocation, and community engagement were identified.
8. Challenges Encountered: The Committee noted operational challenges, such as a lack of local disaster preparedness plans and inadequate evacuation resources, that hampered the emergency response process. Communication breakdowns and skepticism among community members regarding the information provided by authorities further complicated response efforts.
9. Community Challenges: The Committee also noted that land tenure attachment by the people, economic reliance on location, fear of unpredictability, insufficient financial resources and support from Authorities, restricted housing options, historical precedence of spillage and cultural resistance were factors that made most affected people unwilling to relocate during the spill event.
10. Temporal accommodation: The Committee noted with concern that some affected persons were still housed in tents, at the mercy of the weather, refusing to relocate to temporary accommodation built by VRA. They cited a lack of privacy as families were required to share rooms.
11. Resettlement: Some Government-initiated resettlement projects are far from the people’s previous abode. The people lament that their opinions were not sought in selecting the sites for the resettlement, and therefore, have refused to relocate and are requesting that the resettlement project be halted as the objective is not served.
12. Compensation: Since the spillage occurred, in communities upstream and downstream, the affected people in these communities have not been adequately compensated for the devastating impact the floods had on their properties and source of livelihoods. Some also expressed displeasure that though they suffered and continue to suffer the direct effects of the dam, they were not compensated when the Akosombo dam was built.
13. Evaluation of Strategies: The strategies employed to manage the situation revealed short-term and long-term effectiveness. However, improvements were necessary in community education and disaster management protocols.
14. Proposals for Additional Measures: To mitigate future risks, recommendations were made for enhancing emergency response protocols, improving community engagement, and implementing stricter land use regulations.
15. Communities Upstream: Several communities located upstream of the dam experienced significant flooding, resulting in the submersion of homes and
farmland. The rising water levels inundated large portions of agricultural land, leading to the loss of crops and threatening the livelihoods of affected farmers.
A/R: Scores injured in multi-vehicle crash at Krofrom after downpour
…..
Explore the world of impactful news with CitiNewsroom on WhatsApp!
Click on the link to join the Citi Newsroom channel for curated, meaningful stories tailored just for YOU:
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCYzPRAYlUPudDDe53x
No spam, just the stories that truly matter! #StayInformed #CitiNewsroom #CNRDigital
Short gowns are a must-have for any stylish woman because they effortlessly combine comfort and elegance. Their above-the-knee length makes them perfect for both casual outings and semi-formal events, ensuring versatility in any wardrobe. Many designs feature flared silhouettes, which create a playful and feminine look while allowing ease of movement. Light, flowing fabrics like chiffon and silk enhance the gown’s airy feel, making them ideal for warm weather. Bold prints and vibrant colors can elevate the outfit, ensuring the wearer stands out in a crowd. For a more refined aesthetic, solid hues and minimalist cuts offer a sleek, modern appeal that transitions seamlessly from day to night. 
Accessorizing short gowns is simple since their adaptable nature pairs well with statement jewelry, strappy heels, or even casual sandals. Layering with a denim jacket or a tailored blazer can add dimension, making the outfit suitable for different occasions. Fitted waistlines and belted designs accentuate the figure, providing a flattering fit for various body types. Off-shoulder and sleeveless styles add a touch of sophistication while keeping the look breezy and comfortable. Asymmetrical hemlines and ruffled details introduce visual interest, ensuring the gown remains fashionable and unique. 
