Bolgatanga: Mr Donatus Atanga Akamugri, the Upper East Regional Minister, has appealed to farmers and residents living along the White Volta River basin to take precautionary measures as the spillage of the Bagre and Kompienga Dams in Burkina Faso commenced.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Akamugri advised communities in low-lying and flood-prone areas, who are often affected by the annual spillage, to consider relocating to safer and higher grounds to avert the loss of lives, property, and farmlands. He emphasized the importance of harvesting matured crops to avoid potential losses, although he expressed hope that the spillage would not severely impact crops that are not water-resistant.
The annual spillage of the Bagre and Kompienga Dams is conducted to maintain the structural integrity of the dams but poses a threat to communities downstream in northern Ghana. Information from the Water Resources Commission in Ghana indicated that SONABEL, the Power Producing Company of Burkina Faso, opened the floodgates of the Bagre Dam on Monday, August 25, 2025, at a discharge rate of 47.34 cubic metres per second. The floodwaters are expected to reach Ghana, particularly affecting districts in the Upper East and North East Regions, within 72 hours.
The potential overflow of the White Volta River could impact several communities, including Binduri, Bawku West, Bawku Municipal, Talensi, and Nabdam in the Upper East Region, as well as parts of the North East Region. Farmers in these areas face the prospect of their crops being submerged, leading to possible displacement of families and disruption of livelihoods, exacerbating food insecurity among vulnerable communities.
According to the Regional Minister, the Regional Disaster Management Taskforce has already sensitised communities along the affected areas to relocate and take safety measures to prevent loss of lives and property. Mr Akamugri highlighted that government agencies, including the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), were on high alert and collaborating with district assemblies and stakeholders to manage the situation effectively.
In preparation for potential impacts, the Minister noted that they have requested relief items from NADMO to ensure swift response when needed. These items include mattresses, buckets, cups, hand gloves, and wellington boots. He also urged community leaders to cooperate with disaster management officials and support public education campaigns aimed at minimising the impact of the spillage.
