Accra, Ghana — The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. John Jinapor, has officially inaugurated a five-member committee to probe the far-reaching impacts of the Akosombo Dam spillage that led to devastating floods in September 2023.

This crucial step reflects the government's ongoing commitment to addressing environmental disasters and ensuring the safety, welfare, and livelihoods of communities affected by one of the country's most severe flooding incidents in recent history.

Committee’s Mandate: Examining Causes and Crafting Lasting Solutions

The newly formed committee, chaired by seasoned energy expert Ing. Kirk Koffi, has been assigned a comprehensive mandate, including:

• Investigating the events leading to the dam spillage.
• Assessing the government's response to the resulting floods.
• Identifying the most affected areas and key challenges encountered during relief efforts.
• Evaluating existing mitigation strategies and their effectiveness.
• Recommending both immediate relief measures and sustainable long-term solutions to prevent future disasters.

Compensation and Long-Term Planning on the Table

During the official inauguration ceremony, Minister Jinapor underscored the importance of a coordinated, thorough investigation to inform government actions.

"If there ought to be compensation, how does the Government go about it?" Jinapor asked, emphasizing the need to evaluate all avenues for restitution and recovery.

He also called for sustainable planning and enhanced flood management systems, highlighting the urgency of preventing such catastrophic events in the future.

Stakeholder Engagement and Full Ministerial Support

The Minister appealed to local government authorities, community leaders, environmental experts, and other stakeholders to collaborate with the committee and share relevant data and insights.

"I assure you of my full support as you embark on this vital assignment for the nation," Jinapor pledged, expressing confidence in the committee’s ability to deliver impactful recommendations.

Committee Members and Timeline

Ing. Kirk Koffi, on behalf of the committee, expressed gratitude for the confidence placed in them and promised a diligent and transparent investigation.

"We are committed to delivering results that will guide effective action and prevent future occurrences," Koffi affirmed.

Other members of the committee include:

• Mr. Kwame Jantuah
• Ing. Kofi Ellis
• Ing. Kwaku Akosa
• Ms. Georgette Emefa Fugah (Secretary)

The committee has been given a one-month deadline to complete its work and present comprehensive findings and actionable recommendations to the government.

Conclusion:

A Step Toward National Preparedness and Community Recovery

As communities continue to grapple with the aftermath of the Akosombo Dam spillage, this committee's work is expected to shed light on systemic gaps, assess government and agency responses, and propose pragmatic solutions for long-term resilience.