Bagre Dam spillage threatens communities along Volta River

By Samuel SAM

Farmlands and properties along the Black and White Volta Rivers in the Upper East, North East, Northern and Savannah Regions risk destruction following spillage from the Bagre Dam in Burkina Faso.

The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has urged residents living along river banks to relocate immediately to avoid loss of lives and property. The warning follows early alerts from Sonabel Energy, manager of the dam, which began spilling on Monday, August 25.

According to NADMO, the spillage has already devastated large farmlands in Burkina Faso – displacing many – and is expected to impact several communities in Ghana. The Bagre Dam’s current level stands at 234.27 metres representing 90.24 percent of its capacity, close to the maximum spillage threshold of 235 metres. The Kompienga Dam is also nearing its critical level.

Each year, the spillage causes flooding in low-lying communities; destroying livelihoods and rendering many residents homeless. In the Northern Region, Dalun, Nawuni, Nabogu and Zantani are among the hardest-hit towns.

The Northern Regional Director of NADMO, Alhaji Haruna Abukari Malba, noted that the floods continue to destroy crops and farmers’ properties – which undermines national food security and economic growth. He said government is exploring options, including constructing dams along the stretch to store excess water for irrigation and boost food production.

Mr. Malba added that residents have been advised to move to higher ground, while awareness campaigns are ongoing in collaboration with other state institutions.

He also cautioned the public about movement of reptiles, particularly snakes as they seek refuge on debris and trees during the floods – posing risks to human safety.

In Upper East Region, NADMO Director Rebecca Ashamawu Akolgo confirmed that the Bagre Dam is spilling and urged communities along river banks to relocate urgently. She warned that the nearby Kupeinga Dam is also filling up and could spill, worsening the situation.

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