Since the year in which the Akosombo Dam was constructed(1965) water from the dam has always been spilled to waste if an excess water is needed to generate electricity then it should not be spilled, because there are communities in Ghana that lack access to portable water, especially in the rural areas ( ).
The spillage by the Akosombo Dam and Kpong Dam since September 15,2023 has caused massive flooding in communities close to the river, particularly in Mepe and Avayime and has rendered many homeless. Tackling the issue at hand,this excess water can be collected and treated into potable water, grow crops and other meaningful use. Over 58years and this excess water is still being wasted . The Late Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, who initiated the creation of this Dam, made a provision for a reservoir to be created to collect the excess water from the dam in times like this and made the biggest man-made lake in the world,but unfortunately, this dream died with him and as a result many lives are being affected as we are seeing now.
The Volta River Authority and the government have the duty of finding a lasting solution to these disaster happening anytime the dam is being opened , spilling this water without conserving it is an immoral action that need urgent solution. The plight of not having portable water in the country is alarming and if this water can be spilled to waste, then something can be done to curb this menace.
THE LENSE 