President of the Ghana Institution of Engineering, Ing. Kwabena Bempong, is proposing that the optimal long-term solution to the challenges posed by the Akosombo Dam spillage is the relocation of all residents within the severely affected communities.
He says that despite the potentially high cost of this endeavour, such a proactive measure would significantly mitigate the risks to both lives and properties in the event of a recurring disaster.
In an interview with Citi News, Ing. Bempong urged prompt action to prevent the occurrence of another disaster in the future.
“As to whether it will happen again is an act of God, in terms of rains coming. But then, we as human beings, can do something. Ten years ago, it happened, and maybe 20 or 40 years ago, it happened. Yes, it’s a risk, so anybody who stays within the flood area should understand the risk they are exposing themselves to.
If it’s possible to resettle those who were worst affected to higher grounds, that will be, in my view, the best thing to do. I think it’s affecting about 7 or 8 districts; it’s going to be expensive; I believe so, but that should be the long term,” the President of the Ghana Institution of Engineering opined.