The Volta River Authority (VRA), in a proactive move to strengthen community resilience, today engaged key stakeholders in the Keta Municipality on its Annual Emergency Preparedness Plan (EPP) and Environmental Management Plan (EMP). The session, held at the Keta Municipal Assembly Hall, brought together a cross-section of stakeholders from various sectors.

Welcoming participants, The Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Wisdom Seade emphasized the importance of community awareness and early warning systems in mitigating the risks associated with floods and other emergencies.

“Let us all become ambassadors of the knowledge we gain here today,” he urged. “It is only through timely information and preparedness that we can safeguard lives and property.”

Engineer Akosua Efaa, a representative from VRA, delivered a detailed presentation on the Emergency Preparedness Plan, highlighting how the authority identifies potential hazards, outlines response actions, and the roles & responsibilities of stakeholders.

Key components of the plan include:

• Monitoring and emergency detection
• Risk classification and notification
• Early warning systems and public alerts
• Stakeholder coordination and response duties

Participants were actively engaged during the interactive session, asking relevant questions which were addressed by both the facilitators and Mrs. Roda Arthur, VRA’s Community Relations Officer.

The event drew a diverse audience, including The MCE and Municipal Coordinating Director, Selected Assembly Members, Representatives from the Fire Service, Ambulance Service, and Police,The Dufia of Keta, The Education Director, Chief fishermen, Technocrats from the Assembly, and the media.

The session concluded with a renewed sense of collaboration, as participants were reminded that the Volta River Authority will soon undertake its annual controlled spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong Dams.

In light of this, the engagement was not only timely but critical in raising awareness, promoting preparedness, and ensuring all stakeholders—particularly those in flood-prone areas—are equipped with the knowledge and coordination needed to mitigate potential impacts.

The VRA and Keta Municipal Assembly together called for continued stakeholder cooperation to protect lives, property, and the environment.