The Volta River Authority has issued a stern warning to persons encroaching the Akosombo Dam area and the entire Volta Gorge protection zone.

Some traditional leaders and families in the Asuogyaman district in the Eastern region are allegedly selling lands in the protected areas for developers to establish recreational centers and hotels, while others are building houses.

The VRA in a statement Monday cautioned the public against Sale/Purchase and Encroachment of lands within the Volta Gorge Protection Zone and threatened to prosecute any developer who trespasses the protection zone.

Below are details of the statement by the VRA

"The Volta River Authority wishes to inform the General Public that by the Volta River Development Act (1961) Act 46, it is mandated to plan, execute, manage and ensure the protection of the lake side area of the Akosombo Dam.

In furtherance to this, the entire Volta Gorge measuring approximately 5,149.29 hectares has been designated as a protection zone hence no development can be carried out in this area without express permission from the Authority.

The said land is bounded on the West Bank of the dam by the Adjena, Anyaase, Dasaase, Pese, Gyakiti, Sawa townships, on the East Bank by Mpakadan, Anum and Dodi in the Akwamu, Anum and Boso Traditional Areas in the Asuogyaman District in the Eastern Region of the Republic of Ghana, on the North East by the Dodi Stool Land on the North West by the Pese Stool land on the South East by the Akosombo Dam and the South West by the Adjena Stool land".

"The Authority hereby warns all prospective land purchasers to desist from purchasing lands within the Gorge Area as no development would be permitted. Any person who commences development activity would be prosecuted and the project demolished. Persons who do not adhere to this directive do so at their own risk."