By Kofi Ahovi
The Volta River Authority (VRA) in consultation with stakeholders is preparing an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for the Akosombo and Kpong Dams.
The plan is to enable VRA to identify, manage the impacts of the operations of the dams systematically and ensure effective monitoring.
EMP will identify the total impacts of the construction of the dams both upstream and downstream and outline the measures to be undertaken to mitigate them.
The preparation of the plan for the two dams is to fulfill a key legal requirement of the Ghana Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as required by the Environmental Assessment Regulation LI 1652, 1999.
It is also in accordance with international best practices to ensure that the dams are operated in an environmentally sustainable manner.
The plan also fulfils VRA’s mandate under the Volta River Development Act 46, 1961 which obliges VRA to provide as far as practicable, facilities and assistance for the development of the lake as a source of viable economic activities and the lakeside area for the health and well-being of its inhabitants
VRA has over the years undertaken a lot of activities to promote the well-being of the lakeside and downstream inhabitants. These include the services of the Onipa Nua Medical Boat, the Bilharzia Control Program, studies to promote alternative livelihood activities in the Lower Volta Basin as well as the Water Hyacinth and Weed Control in the Volta Lake and Kpong Headpond.
In 2005, VRA formulated a Corporate Environmental Policy Statement to guide it operations to ensure good environmental and sustainable practices.
The Volta River Authority (VRA) in consultation with stakeholders is preparing an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for the Akosombo and Kpong Dams.
The plan is to enable VRA to identify, manage the impacts of the operations of the dams systematically and ensure effective monitoring.
EMP will identify the total impacts of the construction of the dams both upstream and downstream and outline the measures to be undertaken to mitigate them.
The preparation of the plan for the two dams is to fulfill a key legal requirement of the Ghana Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as required by the Environmental Assessment Regulation LI 1652, 1999.
It is also in accordance with international best practices to ensure that the dams are operated in an environmentally sustainable manner.
The plan also fulfils VRA’s mandate under the Volta River Development Act 46, 1961 which obliges VRA to provide as far as practicable, facilities and assistance for the development of the lake as a source of viable economic activities and the lakeside area for the health and well-being of its inhabitants
VRA has over the years undertaken a lot of activities to promote the well-being of the lakeside and downstream inhabitants. These include the services of the Onipa Nua Medical Boat, the Bilharzia Control Program, studies to promote alternative livelihood activities in the Lower Volta Basin as well as the Water Hyacinth and Weed Control in the Volta Lake and Kpong Headpond.
In 2005, VRA formulated a Corporate Environmental Policy Statement to guide it operations to ensure good environmental and sustainable practices.
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