The Volta River Authority (VRA) has engaged stakeholders in the Krachi East Municipality on the implementation of its Environmental Management Plan for the Akosombo and Kpong Hydroelectric Power Plants.

The engagement brought together government officials, assembly members, traditional authorities, security personnel, and community representatives to discuss environmental protection measures and address concerns over increasing encroachment along the Volta Lake.

The VRA delegation, led by Rhoda Arthur, Principal Community Relations Officer, educated participants on the Authority’s operational and environmental management responsibilities, particularly the need to protect the 280-foot contour line that marks VRA’s safety and operational buffer zone along the lake.

Arthur expressed concern about growing human activities and structures within the designated area and appealed to residents and developers to respect the boundary to ensure public safety, safeguard critical infrastructure,e and preserve the ecological health of the lake.

She urged communities along the lake to maintain clean riverbanks through regular sanitation exercises to prevent plastics and other waste materials from entering the water body.

Arthur also cautioned against indiscriminate felling of trees along riverbanks, explaining that vegetation plays a vital role in controlling erosion, protecting shorelines, and providing a conducive habitat for aquatic species.

The VRA team further highlighted the environmental impact of unsafe farming practices near water bodies, particularly the use of agrochemicals that could be washed into the lake and adversely affect water quality and fish populations.

Farmers were encouraged to adopt environmentally sustainable agricultural practices to protect the lake and ensure the long-term viability of fishing and other livelihoods that depend on the water resource.

Safo Nketia, Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Krachi East, commended the VRA for the sensitisation programme and reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to collaborating with the Authority on environmental protection initiatives.

He assured participants that the Assembly would continue to engage VRA on challenges affecting communities along the Volta Lake in the municipality to promote sustainable development and improve the well-being of residents.

The stakeholder engagement forms part of VRA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration with communities and institutions within the Volta Lake basin while promoting environmental sustainability, public safety, and efficient power generation.