Study Team:

Dr. William Baah-Boateng
Richard K. Twum Barimah
Louisa Sawyerr
Prof. Yaa Ntiamoa-Baidu
 

1.1. Background

The Water Resources Commission of Ghana (WRC) has been leading the implementation of the Reoptimisation and Reoperation study of Akosombo and Kpong Dams Project. The goal of the Project is to contribute to economic growth and poverty reduction through restoration of downstream ecosystems, food systems and livelihoods by reoperation of the Akosombo and Kpong dams. The Project seeks specifically to examine techniques for optimizing major hydropower dams and the electrical grids into which they feed to enable a more natural flow pattern to be re-established into the Lower Volta River. The expectation is that the project will improve the reliability of and access to water, food and energy, thereby improving livelihood on a local, regional and trans-boundary level. The beneficiaries of the project are expected to include: riparian communities downstream of the dam whose food production, livelihoods, and access to groundwater will be markedly improved, and whose flood risks will be reduced. The project is expected to also contribute to a global process of shared learning on the techniques and benefit of dam reoperation. In implementing the project, the WRC established partnerships with a number of institutions including the Centre for African wetlands (CAW). Based on the findings of the mid-term review of the project, CAW was tasked by the WRC to undertake a study on the Socio-economic impact of the re operation objectives on the livelihood of the downstream communities.
 

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