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The Volta River Authority (VRA) has organised a workshop for stakeholders on the Emergency Preparedness Plan (EPP) and Environmental Management Plan (EMP) modules to mitigate any future emergencies.
The workshop was held at the Regional Coordinating Council Office in Accra and attended by representatives from key organisations such as the Regional Security Council, some District Chief Executives, and others.
Speaking at the programme, Madam Linda Akweley Ocloo, the Greater Accra Regional Minister, said the workshop was critical in developing strategies and coordinating the work of various institutions in case of an emergency.
“The EPP being presented and discussed here today serves as a critical blueprint for response in the event of emergencies at the Akosombo and Kpong hydro plants.
“It is heartening to note that the EPP specifies annual engagement in each of the 10 potentially affected districts to educate stakeholders, review procedures, test response capabilities, and update necessary records,” she said.
Madam Ocloo added that these workshops were vital in building local capacity and fostering resilience within our communities.
She also assured VRA of their full support as they work hand-in-hand with all stakeholders to ensure that lives and properties of citizens were safeguarded at all times.
Mr. Francis Abban, Corporate Communications Manager at VRA, said his outfit since 2011 had been engaging stakeholders in its operational areas and the workshop annual event to enhance their knowledge.
“This was to engage the stakeholders to better appreciate how we prepared for an emergency. We have been engaging at both the regional and district levels so they know what is in the EPP and EMP.
“The idea is that if everyone is to understand what their responsibilities are before or during an unlikely emergency, they will be clear on what they are to do so that the situation is better managed,” he said.
Mr. Abban further stated that there was no imminent spillage of the Akosombo Dam but they would keep the public updated if there was a need for any spillage in the future.
Mr Dennis Nartey Adjarnor, the Greater Accra Regional National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) Director, said the workshop was a fruitful engagement with all stakeholders but urged the VRA to update them on the water levels at Akosombo so that they could prevent any form of disasters in the future.
“At NADMO our core mandate is to prevent, and this workshop just re-echoes what we have been doing already with EPP across various districts. We, however, urge VRA to update us with levels of Akosombo Dam so we can pass on the information downstream,” he said.
