Akosombo at 60: Reflecting on a legacy of power and change
In 1965, the massive gates of the Akosombo Dam closed for the first time, creating Lake Volta from the flowing Volta River. The first President of Ghana, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, conceived and built this engineering spectacle, with the idea of reshaping Ghana’s destiny and becoming a symbol of post-independence ambition and progress.
The effort to develop Akosombo began in the early 1950s when the Gold Coast, soon to become independent Ghana, sought means to power its industrial goals. Nkrumah’s plan focused on harnessing the strength of the Volta River to propel Ghana’s industrialisation. Through finance from the United States, the United Kingdom and the World Bank, his administration was able to gain international backing for the Volta River Project by 1961.
When construction started in 1961, 80,000 people from 700 villages had to be relocated, and thousands of labourers were employed. At the time, the project’s scope was unheard of in West Africa. In the early 1960s, the dam’s construction cost of £130 million demonstrated Ghana’s dedication towards industrial growth.
The technical specifications of Akosombo remain impressive even by today’s standards. The dam stands 134 metres tall and 660 metres long, creating Lake Volta, which covers 8,502 square kilometres. The hydroelectric plant houses six turbines, capable of generating 1,020 megawatts of power, though actual output varies with water levels.
The completion of the dam in 1965 inspired rapid changes across Ghana. Towns and villages previously without electricity saw power lines extending into their communities. The Volta Aluminum Company (VALCO) established operations, becoming one of the largest aluminium smelters in Africa. By 1967, Akosombo was powering Ghana’s industrial revolution, supplying electricity to neighbouring countries including Togo and Benin.
However, the impact of the project extended beyond power generation. The creation of Lake Volta displaced farming communities and altered traditional fishing practices. New fishing industries emerged on the lake, while agricultural patterns shifted as former farmland disappeared beneath the waters. The resettlement townships built for displaced communities introduced new social structures and challenges.
Environmental changes followed the dam’s construction. The Volta River’s flow patterns changed dramatically, affecting downstream ecosystems. Fish species adapted to the new lake environment, while others declined. The lake created new microclimates in surrounding areas, influencing local weather patterns and agriculture.
Through the 1970s and 1980s, Akosombo powered Ghana through economic challenges, providing reliable electricity when other infrastructure struggled. Though shifting rainfall patterns started to have an impact on electricity generation, technological advancements by 2000 had increased its efficiency.
Today, Akosombo faces new challenges. Climate change has resulted in irregular rainfall patterns, which has affected water levels and power output. In 2023, the dam operated below capacity due to decreased water levels, prompting national conversations about energy security. Yet, the dam continues to generate power to supplement new power sources including solar.
The legacy of the Akosombo dam extends beyond power generation. It stands as proof of Ghana’s industrial ambitions and engineering capabilities. The lessons learned from Akosombo have influenced other hydroelectric projects across Africa, from environmental impact assessments to community engagement practices.
Looking ahead, energy planners in Ghana are adapting Akosombo’s operations to work alongside renewable energy sources. Solar farms and wind projects now complement the power generated from the dam, creating a more diverse energy portfolio.
The story of Akosombo reflects Ghana’s broader development journey – ambitious in scale, complex in execution, and far-reaching in impact. As Ghana moves toward a sustainable energy future, the dam remains an example of how large-scale infrastructure projects can shape a nation’s development path.
The writer is a staff of the Information Services Department
- BY RICHARD ANIAGYEI
