Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has issued a warning that another spillage of the Akosombo Dam without resettling the victims of the first spillage could be disastrous, as many are still living in tents.

Ablakwa has called for immediate action in anticipation of the upcoming spillage of the Akosombo Dam. He highlighted that some victims of the previous disaster remain in temporary shelters.

The Volta River Authority (VRA) has announced plans for community engagement ahead of a controlled spillage. However, during the presentation of the business statement for next week in parliament, Ablakwa mentioned that the spillage is scheduled for August 1, according to his information from the VRA.

He also questioned why the parliamentary probe, initiated by Speaker Alban Bagbin, has not conducted any checks to inform the public about the impending spillage.

“Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I remind you and this house that it has been 10 good months since the September 15 spillage, which unleashed untold devastation. More than 60,000 people were displaced; in my constituency, more than 12,000 were displaced. We filed a motion, and Mr. Speaker assured us that there would be a committee of inquiry so that, most importantly, we would learn lessons.

I am not too fixated on any sanction or punishment per se; that is not in our interest. Best practices all over the world: when disasters of such nature occur, they carry out a probe so that it will lead to institutional reforms so that there will be far-reaching recommendations so that lessons can be learned and it will be avoided.

“As we speak, there are people still living in tents. If you go to Mepe Degomey Camp 1 or Mepe Degomey Camp 2, there are hundreds of our fellow citizens still living in tents. So those living in tents who lost their properties, Mr. Speaker, how do you think they see us if they hear there’s going to be spillage soon?

Indeed, my follow-ups show that the spillage is going to occur as soon as August 1. That is what I am picking up from my usual deep-throat, impeccable sources.”

Dr. Emmanuel Marfo, the MP for Oforikrom, called for the sector minister to appear before parliament regarding the recent developments. His demand found support from Patrick Yaw Boamah, MP for Okaikwei Central.

Ampem Nyarko, MP for Asuogyaman, who had already filed an urgent question on the issue, urged the Speaker to summon the ministry.

In response, Deputy Majority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh announced that parliament would conduct a closed-door session with the Ministry for Energy on the matter.

Severe flooding in the Lower Volta area of Ghana resulted from heavy downpours, marking the region's worst flooding on record.

The flooding was triggered by a deliberate release of water from the Akosombo Dam, displacing over 26,000 people. Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported.

The last documented spillage from the dam occurred in 2010. The Volta River Authority, responsible for managing the dam, opened its floodgates to alleviate pressure caused by unusually high rainfall.

By September, the Volta Lake, a vast reservoir stretching 400 km behind the dam, reached full capacity. Communities along the Volta River suffered extensive damage due to the overflow, with residents evacuating to safety, leaving behind their homes and belongings.

Agricultural lands were submerged, resulting in substantial crop losses, while businesses in low-lying areas also endured significant damage.