The Kpong Hydro Dam, located in Akuse, has long been hailed as one of Ghana’s most significant energy assets. Constructed in the early 1980s, this hydroelectric plant stands as a testament to Ghana’s strides in providing sustainable electricity to meet the growing demands of its population.
However, the dam has been an economic lifeline to the nation, providing clean energy and contributing to the country’s industrial development. The inhabitants of Akuse, its host community, have borne the brunt of a stark and glaring neglect by the Volta River Authority (VRA), led by Ied by Ing Edward Obeng-Kenzo, the institution that oversees the dam’s operations.
The Significance of the Kpong Hydro Dam
The Kpong Hydro Dam is integral to Ghana’s energy mix, generating a substantial portion of the country’s electricity. Its strategic location along the Volta River makes it a central player in meeting the country’s power needs, especially as industries and homes require stable electricity for their operations. The dam also serves as a support hydro station for the Akosombo Hydro Power Generation Dam, helping to stabilise and complement national power generation.
While the Kpong Dam, coupled with the Akosombo Dam, powers a significant portion of the country, the community that houses this energy source has been left to grapple with numerous socio-economic challenges. In particular, Akuse faces major infrastructure deficits, especially with road networks that continue to deteriorate, limiting the community’s growth potential and access to vital services.
VRA’s CSR neglect and the road infrastructure crisis
Despite its pivotal role in the nation’s power generation, the Volta River Authority (VRA) has failed to deliver on its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) obligations in Akuse. Among the most pressing issues facing the community is the state of the road network. The VRA, in a letter dated December 1, 2022, formally requested the Ghana Highway Authority to assess and prepare a cost estimate for the rehabilitation of the 17.5-kilometre Okwenya Junction–Akuse-Asutuare road, a critical artery connecting the town to schools, health facilities, rice farms, and markets.
In response, the GHA submitted a proposal detailing a full rehabilitation package including clearing, road widening, soft soil treatment, stabilised base, drains, asphalt surfacing, traffic signs, and road markings. The estimated cost, as submitted in a letter dated January 20, 2023, was GH¢58,263,728.68.
This project was communicated as a CSR initiative following community protests by the youth of Akuse and Asutuare over the appalling state of the roads. According to Hon. Ibrahim Awudu, Zonal Chairman of the assemblymen in Akuse, VRA committed to executing the project with urgency and pledged a completion date around May 2025. Yet, as of June 2025, the project remains unexecuted, with no machinery or work commenced.
Residents and local leaders have repeatedly voiced their dissatisfaction, highlighting that while the VRA has developed impeccable road infrastructure within its estates and offices, the larger Akuse community remains underserved and neglected. The situation is even more disheartening when one considers the presence of asphalted roads leading directly to the Kpong Dam, contrasting sharply with the pothole-ridden roadways in the community.
At some points, the inhabitants of Akuse have raised funds and mobilised to manually patch potholes on the road, a commendable act of communal labour. However, these efforts are unsustainable. The community continues to appeal for the VRA to fulfil its CSR obligations. Despite GHA’s formal estimate and readiness, VRA has not moved the process forward, and no community engagement with the inhabitants.
The Agitation of Akuse: The breaking point
Frustration has reached a boiling point. The Akuse Development Network (ADN), along with local assembly members, has called for immediate action from VRA. Their demands are simple: fulfil the promise, start the project, and involve local stakeholders. The broken promise to complete the road by May has deepened disillusionment and resentment within the community.
This is no longer just a matter of advocacy; it is a matter of urgency. The Member of Parliament for Lower Manya Krobo Constituency, Hon. Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, and the Municipal Chief Executive of Lower Manya Krobo, Hon. John Atteh Matey, are being urged to treat this as a priority. They are called upon to lead a stakeholder meeting bringing together VRA, GHA, ADN, traditional authorities, and civil society to address the long-standing infrastructure challenge once and for all.
The VRA, led by its CEO Ing. Edward Obeng-Kenzo, must act on this immediately and fulfill the promise made to the people of Akuse. There is growing concern that further delays may provoke community actions that could disrupt operations at the Kpong Dam, a situation that would have serious national consequences.
Impact on Health, Agriculture, and Commerce
The consequences of this neglect stretch far beyond mere inconvenience. The Akuse Government Hospital, one of the oldest health facilities in Ghana, serves communities across five districts: Lower Manya Krobo, Yilo Krobo, Shai Osudoku, North Tongu, and beyond. Yet, access to this critical health facility is compromised by the poor road conditions. Emergency cases are delayed, ambulances struggle to move, and health personnel face daily commuting difficulties.
Additionally, Akuse is recognised as Ghana’s hub for local rice production. The lack of a proper road network severely affects farmers’ ability to transport rice and related produce to markets, thus undermining local agribusiness, reducing income, and threatening food supply chains. The market, a central part of economic activity for both residents and VRA staff, is also in decline due to access challenges.
It is deeply ironic that while VRA staff enjoy developed estates and well-maintained roads, the very community that supports the existence and safety of the Kpong Dam lives in deprivation.
A Call for Urgent Action
Given the high social and economic cost of inaction, it is time for VRA to fulfill its promise. The detailed estimate from the GHA is available. The community is ready to collaborate. The need is urgent.
If the VRA continues to ignore the people of Akuse, it risks not only the trust of the community but also the operational integrity of one of Ghana’s most critical power facilities. The people of Akuse have waited too long and their patience is wearing thin. The time to act is now.
