VRA (VOLTA RIVER AUTHORITY) HOLDS STAKEHOLDERS ENGAGEMENT IN SOUTH DAYI DISTRICT AT KPEVE

The Volta River Authority in collaboration with the South Dayi District Assembly on Tuesday,7th September, 2021 organized an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) program in the District Capital, Kpeve.

In his welcome address, the Representative of the District Chief Executive who is also the District Coordinating Director, Mr. Nathaniel Adzotor briefly hammered on the impact of the creation of the Akosombo Dam leading to resettlement in some communities and the effect of the activities of people living along the lake creating problem.

DCD, Mr. Adzotor  further said that the meeting aims at  discussing  the Environmental Management Plan by VRA and how  to create a good environment for themselves. He finally urged everyone present to pay attention and take note so as to educate others when they return to their various communities.

The Volta River Authority official, Madam Rhoda Yeboah reiterated the aim of the meeting which is to make known the Environmental Management Plan(EMP) of VRA and also to take questions, recommendations and suggestions that will promote the sustainability of the Volta Lake. 

In her PowerPoint presentation, Madam Rhoda Yeboah outlined the legal perspective of Environment Management Plan(EMP) of the Volta River Authority which included :

1. EMP Governance Structure
2. Alternative Livelihood Program
3. Solid Waste Segregation program
4. Paper Recycling
5. Community Development Program (CDP)
6. Donations
7. Stakeholders Engagement Meetings

Madam Rhoda said the Volta River Authority( VRA) is 60years now and collaborates with other regulatory and enforcement agencies such as EPA, Navy and  Ghana Maritime  to protect the Volta Lake and also take care of the welfare of people living along the lake as a result of the impact of the creation of the Dam.

She further said that the Volta River Authority  Environmental Management Plan aims at supporting the Government in clearing weeds along the lake as well as planting trees along the lake and with  regards to that, VRA planted 600 trees during the Green Ghana Project. She said the EMP Solid Waste and Paper Recycling Program also make room for cleaning the  environment by partnering with recycling companies to recycle plastics and as well convert papers to toilet rolls. The EMP Community Development Program aims at supporting Assemblies to carry out community development activities by way of providing water system for Second Cycle Schools, provision of Scholarship for Brilliant but Needy Students to continue their education which about 33 Students benefiting so far with a total amount of GHc 128,772.00. 

According to her, some communities received Covid-19 relief packages as well as Covid-19 buckets and other protective equipments.

She revealed some Challenges VRA faces which is as follows:

1. Rapid regeneration and drifting of cleared weeds.
2. Frequent breakdown of the weed harvesters on the Kpong Headpond and Dredger at Ada
3. Financial challenges of the Authority
4. Illegal Sand winning activities.

Talking about the way forward of the VRA , she said the VRA will:

1. Distribute English, Mathematics and Integrated Textbooks to Senior High Schools.
2. Introduce Technical and Vocational Education Training.
3. Use drones to aid monitoring on the Volta Lake 
4. Commence the Lower Volta Dredging  project.
5. Further engage with stakeholders.

 During an Open forum; Participants 

1. Asked why VRA clearing the weeds along the lake which may serve as food for the fishes.
2. Suggested that the VRA EMP be extended to other communities along the lake such as clearing of weeds and treatment/prevention of water. borne diseases.
3. Suggested if electricity billing can be subsidised for people living along the lake due

 to the impact of the dam spillage.

4. Asked if the Assembly can write to VRA for support to carry out community development projects .
5. Asked what plans VRA has put in place to reduce accident on the water bodies as well as removing tree stumps on water bodies.

In his closing remark, the DCD, Mr. Nathaniel Adzotor thanked the VRA officials for the educative   program and supportive activities they have been embarking on. 

He petitioned that should their application for support come to their good office, it should be granted. He also revealed to the VRA officials about the TVET in the District which will need their support. He finally thanked all the Hon. Assembly members and staff of the Assembly present.

The program was interactive and the stakeholders present at the program were DCD, PM, some Hon. Assembly members, some Staff of the Assembly and a Traditional Leader of Kpeve Traditional Area