Eastern Region
The Akosombo Dam, also known as the Volta Dam, is a hydroelectric dam on the Volta River in southeastern Ghana in the Akosombo gorge and part of the Volta River Authority. The primary purpose of the Akosombo Dam was to provide electricity for the aluminum industry but have over the years benefited some industrial and economic activities from the addition of lake transportation, increased fishing, new farming activities along the shoreline, and tourism.
The power generated has provided for primary interests within Ghana, while also supplying power to the neighboring countries of Togo and Benin. Initially, the dam’s power production capabilities greatly overreached the actual demand; while, the demand since the dam’s inception has resulted in the doubling of hydropower production.
The Akosombo Dam on the Volta river
A spillway for the dam during overflow
The big red turbines of the Akosombo Dam