The Convener of #FixTheCountry Movement, Oliver Barker Vormawor has fumed at the Volta River Authority over the spillage of the Akosombo dam without proper precautions to the affected communities.
According to Mr Vormawor, the water spillages by the Volta River Authority without initial warnings and prior planning, and anticipatory evacuation or humanitarian support have caused serious havoc to the communities that are located at the banks of the Akosombo dam over the past years.
“My family has lived for generations by the Volta River. Well before it was dammed at Akosombo and then at Akuse/Kpong. It has always been our home and sanctuary. As someone whose Grandparents lost their property and livelihood when the Kpong Dam was built, just like many of the riverside families, I am deeply troubled and angered even over the recent water spillages by the Volta River Authority that have caused many to be homeless and farms and vibrant businesses destroyed”.
Oliver Barker Vormawor
The lead convener of the Occupy Jubilee House Protest further berated the description of the incident as a natural disaster.
According to him, the unfortunate disturbances of the spillage of the Akosombo dam by the Volta River Authority are result of lack of proper engagement by the Volta River Authority with the affected communities, and therefore cannot be described as a natural disaster.
“I am particularly appalled that these water spillages by VRA are being treated as some natural disaster rather than intentional manmade actions. Thousands have lost fish farms. Thousands have lost their homes. Hotels and guest houses have been flooded with massive damage to their facilities and businesses. Entire communities have been plunged back into poverty and the economic capital of the surrounding communities wiped out overnight! I have seen harrowing videos”.
Oliver Barker Vormawor
Vormawor Demands Justice For Communities Affected By Akosombo Dam Spillage
The Convener of the #FixTheCountry Movement thus called on the Volta River Authority to immediately undertake measures to mitigate the damages caused by the spillage of the Akosombo dam for the affected communities.
According to him the communities at the banks of the Akosombo dam lost severely during the building of the dam and there is therefore the need for the government to protect them from more harm.
“VRA cannot continue to disrespect and disregard the lives of our people and take it as business as usual. No civilized country intentionally drowns its citizens yearly, and yet zero disaster mechanisms are activated. I have seen the media ignore this, and I have seen politicians refuse to acknowledge the culpability of VRA in a completely avoidable tragedy.
Our people deserve justice. From Akwamufie to Mepe and Gbenorkofe, through Amedeka and Asutsuare, We deserve justice. We lost so much to give this country electricity. And yet every year, we get punished for it! This must stop!”
Oliver Barker Vormawor
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Volta River Authority (VRA), Mr Emmanuel Antwi-Darkwa has indicated that the spillage of water from the Akosombo dam will continue until the excess inflows in the lake recede.
According to him, the dam has more water than it is required, hence the spillage is going to continue.
“We are on phase II of the spillage right now and it is a cycle. It is normal at this time of the year for us to experience inflows. The difference is that we are getting more than expected and to safeguard this dam means that we have to spill water, that is the standard operation for any hydro dam but the inflows that we are seeing now are in excess”.
Mr Emmanuel Antwi-Darkwa
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