VRA and NADMO conduct simulation exercise for Emergency Preparedness Plan for Akosombo and Kpong Dams

The Volta River Authority (VRA) and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) have commenced a simulation exercise for the Emergency Preparedness Plan (EPP) for the Akosombo and Kpong Hydropower Dams. This exercise seeks to enhance the readiness of state agencies to respond to emergencies arising from the release of significant amounts of water from the dams. The exercise is being conducted in the Asuogyaman, Ada East, and North Tongu Districts.

The EPP is designed to provide early warning of any potential disaster and manage responses to minimize the effects on life and property in communities downstream of the two dams. Climate change and its impacts have become evident in Ghana and worldwide, and the increasing occurrence of natural disasters indicates that urgent action is required. The World Bank’s Ghana Climate and Development Report 2022 states that flooding affects about 45,000 people annually. The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 13 recognize climate change as a real and undeniable threat to civilization.

For the most part, Ghana has invested in disaster risk management, including establishing NADMO in 1996, which has responded to several emergencies by collaborating closely with MMDAs to evacuate victims and provide disaster relief. The effect of climate change would be catastrophic unless actions are taken to limit and adapt to it. In the case of excessive spillage or the unlikely situation of a dam break, it is estimated that over 30,000 people would be potentially affected.

VRA has safely operated the dam for over 60 years. However, when the dam was constructed, an EPP was not a standard requirement. This success is due to dam safety management being at the core of their operations as an institution. Therefore, their dams are safe, and a dam break is unlikely. Global trends in climate change and their anticipated impacts make it necessary to enhance preparedness as a hydropower plant operator.

In a nutshell, the EPP specifies the roles and responsibilities of first responders and affected communities in the event of a spill or a dam break that threatens downstream life, property, and economic activity. The continued exercises of this nature would improve the preparedness and resilience of local communities, where gaps would also be identified, and the capacity of response agencies, including NADMO, to manage and reduce disaster risk would be increased.