Asesewa: The Volta River Authority (VRA) has called on Municipal and District Assemblies, as well as traditional leaders, to enforce a halt on farming and construction activities within the 280-foot contour of Volta Lake. This measure is aimed at preventing environmental degradation and ensuring public safety.
According to Ghana News Agency, the designated area is prone to flooding and is considered environmentally sensitive, necessitating preservation efforts to protect both the environment and the power generation capabilities of the region. The caution was issued during an emergency preparedness and environmental sustainability stakeholder engagement workshop held in Asesewa, located in the Upper Manya Krobo District of the Eastern Region.
Mr. Jonathan Hagan, VRA’s Manager for Sustainability, highlighted that the 280ft contour marks the highest water level recorded on the Volta Lake since the Akosombo Dam’s construction. He explained that during the rainy season, the water levels rise significantly, posing risks to any development within this zone, including farming and infrastructure.
Hagan noted a common misconception where people encroach on the land during the dry season, mistaking the dry riparian zones for vacant land. He emphasized that these areas are essential waterways that become submerged when water levels rise.
To address encroachment, the VRA has installed demarcation pillars in various communities to clearly define the 280ft boundary. Additionally, the authority is piloting bamboo planting projects in select areas to create natural barriers that stabilize the soil and protect the high-water boundary.
Mr. Francis Abban, VRA’s Communications Manager, pointed to legal frameworks that support these restrictions, citing specific sections of the Volta River Development Act and related instruments. He also mentioned Ghana’s Buffer Zone Policy, which recommends maintaining a buffer width beyond the 280ft mark to preserve vegetation and water quality.
Upper Manya Krobo District Chief Executive, Mr. Kwesi Lawer, acknowledged the challenges arising from upstream activities like farming along riverbanks. He pledged to leave lands within the contour fallow and pursue afforestation for erosion prevention. A task force will be established to monitor and prevent illegal activities.
Lawer criticized inadequate physical planning, highlighting the recent submergence of Akateng market as a cautionary tale. He vowed to prevent any future development on the 280ft contour line to avoid similar incidents.
The VRA’s call for adherence reflects ongoing efforts to balance human activities with environmental conservation and sustainable power generation, ensuring the Volta Lake ecosystem’s long-term safety and health.