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Akosombo Dam
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The Akosombo Dam is a hydroelectric power station on the Volta River in southeastern Ghana and one of the country's most ambitious infrastructure projects. It was built between 1961 and 1965 during the presidency of Kwame Nkrumah to drive industrial development through electricity. The construction of the dam led to the creation of Lake Volta, the world's largest man-made lake by surface area. The dam wall is 114 meters high and 660 meters long, consisting primarily of rock-fill material with a clay core. The power station not only supplies Ghana with energy but also exports electricity to neighboring countries like Togo and Benin. A significant portion of the energy production was originally intended for the Valco aluminum smelter. Despite its economic benefits, the construction also brought social challenges, as about 80,000 people had to be relocated. Today, the dam is a central pillar of the Ghanaian economy and a symbol of the nation's technological and industrial progress.
- Location: Ghana
- Nearby: Somanya (23 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 28 | 29 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 25 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 27 |
| Rain mm | 16 | 35 | 84 | 104 | 140 | 178 | 150 | 98 | 173 | 160 | 50 | 17 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- Construction began in 1961 and was officially completed in 1965.
- The dam is 114 meters high and 660 meters long at its crest.
- It created Lake Volta, the world's largest man-made lake by surface area.
- The power station has an installed capacity of 1,020 megawatts.
- The dam was primarily built to provide electricity for the Valco aluminum smelter.
- The project was managed by the Volta River Authority (VRA), established in 1961.
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Sights in the town Akosombo Dam (1)
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Frequently asked questions
What is the purpose of the Akosombo Dam?
Can you visit the dam?
How large is Lake Volta behind the dam?
When was the Akosombo Dam built?
Are there recreational activities on Lake Volta?
Akosombo Dam: where is it located?
Akosombo Dam: when is the best time to visit?
Akosombo Dam: why is it worth visiting?
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