The Volta River Authority (VRA) has disclosed that it has spent over GH¢20 million on relief items for residents affected by the Akosombo Dam spillage.

According to the Authority, the amount was used to purchase foodstuffs, mattresses, and medical supplies.

Engineer Ken Arthur, a Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the VRA, stated that the organization is making every effort to improve the situation of the more than 36,000 individuals impacted by the spill.

“VRA has also committed GH¢20 million to alleviate the adverse impacts on the affected communities as a result of the unavoidable spillage of excess water into the Akosombo Dam. We wish to assure the public that VRA will continue to monitor the situation and provide the needed support together with NADMO [National Disaster Management Organisation] and the other relevant agencies to ensure the well-being of the affected communities. We reiterate that no one will be left behind in this emergency situation.”

He also dismissed claims that the VRA failed to sensitise residents ahead of the spillage.

“We took all the necessary steps to ensure that the Dam was not compromised, and we had all the emergency preparedness protocols in place to forewarn the potentially affected persons before the spill event started. I can say that it is the reason we have not recorded any casualties because the potentially affected persons had enough time to move away from the dangerous places.”