A five-member presidential committee has released a comprehensive set of recommendations to address the devastating impact of the 2023 dam spillages in Akosombo and Kpong, which displaced nearly 40,000 people across Ghana’s Volta Region.
The 110-page report, submitted to President Mahama via the Minister of Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, on May 7, 2025, contains critical findings and actionable solutions based on two months of intensive investigation.
The Volta River Authority (VRA) had initiated controlled spillage from the two dams between September 15 and October 30, 2023, citing rising water levels that threatened the structural integrity of the dams.
This resulted in widespread flooding and the displacement of communities along the Volta River.
The havoc resulted in an estimated 38,624 victims being displaced, with the worst-affected areas identified as North Tongu, Central Tongu, South Tongu, Ada and Kpong jurisdictions.
The floods destroyed structures, with an estimated 1,247 homes, 94 schools and 17 health facilities brought down by the waters, as economic losses are projected at $78 million in agricultural damage alone.
The government provided relief items and supported rescue efforts, with VRA and NADMO coordinating the response.
READ ALSO: Akosombo Dam Spillage: Mahama orders flood plan, threatens VRA leadership
Two years on, President Mahama addressed the nation as part of his 120-day social contract progress update, confirming that compensation for victims is being processed, with initial payments expected soon.
The government is expected to release a detailed action plan based on the committee’s findings, with a focus on preventive policies and victim support.
The report marks a crucial step toward accountability and reform, ensuring better protection for vulnerable communities.
The Committee was inaugurated on March 13, 2025, and was given a timeline of two months to complete its investigations and submit a report by May 2025.
Members of the committee were Ing. Kirk Koffi (Chairman), Mr Kwame Jantuah, Ing. Kofi Ellis, Ing. Kwaku Sarpong Akos and Ms. Georgette Emefa Fugah (Secretary).
Below are the recommendations:
1. Establishing a Controlled Spillage Floodplain: To minimise the impact of future controlled spillages from the Akosombo Dam, a designated floodplain should be delineated to accommodate spill discharges of up to 497,936cfs (14,100m3/s), i.e., a 1:50-year flood in the short term to medium term in response to climate change uncertainties and 1:100 years, i.e. 540,313cfs (15,300m3/s), in the Long Term. Resilience improvement projects should consider critical public infrastructure upgrades located in the floodplain, e.g., Sogakope bridge, hospitals, etc. A resettlement plan should be considered for all people and properties located in the floodplain. A Legislative Instrument for the downstream floodplain (contour line) is required to prevent inhabitants from settling or building in that floodplain.
2. Enhance Emergency Preparedness: Establish and regularly update comprehensive disaster preparedness plans locally, referencing the VRA’s Emergency Preparedness Plan (EPP). Simplify the EPP to make it user-friendly by adopting strategies to interpret it in infographics and using local languages in its communication.
3. High Turnover and Divisions Amongst Political Appointees: Create a collaborative task force comprising MCEs, MPs and stakeholders to focus on disaster preparedness. Implement a conflict resolution process, such as mediation or facilitation, to address disagreements constructively and establish accountability measures, such as public reports on disaster preparedness efforts, to hold leaders responsible for their efforts in disaster management.
4. Improve Communication: Develop clear communication channels to ensure the timely dissemination of information regarding flood risks and response measures.
5. Resourcing of NADMO and District Assemblies: Provide adequate funding for district assemblies. In addition, Emergency response centres should be provided with backup systems and stockpiles of essentials to respond to disasters.
6. Lack of Localised Emergency Preparedness Plan in most districts: Organise regular drills and simulations to practice emergency response procedures
secure funding and resources to support developing and implementing localised EPPs and updating Disaster Management Plans.
7. Strengthen Community Engagement: Improve community education programs and education curricula in schools to raise awareness about future flood risks and the importance of adhering to building regulations in flood- prone areas.
8. Implementing Engineering Solutions for Flood Management: Engineering solutions can be employed along the downstream catchment area to enhance flood management by improving the capacity to regulate water flow and mitigate the impact of controlled spillages on downstream communities. These solutions can increase water conveyance efficiency and enhance the river system’s ability to accommodate excess water without severe inundation, e.g., Mepe.
9. Delineation of floodplains: Delineate floodplains by improving vegetative cover with identifiable plantations, i.e., mangrove (downstream), use of concrete pillars or bamboo plantation (upstream & downstream)
10. Safe Havens Management: Develop multipurpose structures on high grounds that can be used as classrooms or town halls in the affected communities and easily reconfigured as safe havens when needed. Offer psychological support services to help residents cope with the stress of displacement and promote community cohesion. Establish channels for residents to provide feedback on their experience and suggest improvements for the safe haven.
11. Compensation: During the Committee’s discussion with people in the affected communities, the issue of compensation was vehemently reiterated. The Committee strongly recommends that the government provide adequate compensation to the affected communities upstream and downstream, which are predominantly made up of farmers, fishermen and businesses. This particular recommendation is very pertinent to the people in the affected communities. In addition, the Government should audit all damaged properties and loss of livelihoods to enable them to distribute compensation adequately as outlined in the budget of 2025.
12. Procedure for payment of compensation: An account should be opened for each affected district, and funds for compensation should be deposited. A “Claims Office” for the disbursement of the funds should also be set up to receive data on the affected flood victims who are eligible for compensation. The Ministry of Finance shall be the supervisory body and shall work with the Member of Parliament (MP) and the District Assembly of the affected community in the disbursement of monies meant for compensation. Third parties such as the
Chiefs, Queen mothers and opinion leaders in the affected communities may be needed to confirm certain claims made by the affected people. The signatories to the account are to be the Ministry of Finance and either the MP or the DCE.
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