Accra: Farmers and communities living along the White Volta River basin are bracing themselves for the annual spillage of the Bagre and Kompienga Dams in Burkina Faso, which begins on Monday, August 25, 2025. The short notice has sparked fear and anxiety among the affected populations, who are worried about the potential destruction of their crops and farmlands.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Samuel Azure, a peasant farmer in the Binduri District, expressed his concerns, stating that the notice was too short. The information regarding the spillage, initially set for August 27, was suddenly changed to August 25, with the affected communities being informed just a few days prior. Many farmers in the area have not harvested their crops yet, and this sudden spillage poses a threat to their produce, potentially exacerbating their economic hardship.
Mr. Azure explained that most farmers who planted maize and early millet would be adversely affected as they have not completed their harvests. The destruction could be severe due to the already full rivers from recent rains, posing a risk of food insecurity for many families. SONABEL, the power-producing company of Burkina Faso and managers of the Bagre and Kompienga Dams, announced the earlier spillage date due to a rapid rise in water levels.
A statement from the Water Resources Commission in Ghana indicated that, as of Saturday, August 23, 2025, the Bagre Dam had reached 90.24% of its filling capacity, corresponding to a water level of 234.27 meters, just 0.73 meters below its maximum retention level. Similarly, the Kompienga Dam stood at 177.90 meters with a filling rate of 79.36%, 2.10 meters below its normal retention level.
Historically, the annual spillage of the Bagre Dam has caused widespread flooding in downstream communities in Ghana, particularly in the Upper East and North East Regions, leading to damage of farmlands, loss of livestock, property damage, and, at times, loss of lives. Communities in districts like Binduri, Bawku West, Garu, Bawku Municipal, Tempane, Talensi, and Nabdam are most affected when the White Volta and its tributaries overflow.
Mr. Jesse Kazapoe, Head of the White Volta Basin of the Water Resources Commission, sought to allay fears, advising communities to move to higher grounds for safety and avoid farming along riverbanks during the spillage period. Mr. Isaac Pabia of the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana emphasized the need for farmers to maintain a safe distance from riverbanks to prevent annual crop flooding.
Mr. Christopher Beokena from the National Disaster Management Organisation noted that district directors had been tasked with sensitizing farmers about the impending spillage and precautionary measures. Some farmers have begun harvesting prematurely, and monitoring efforts will continue to provide necessary assistance.
