Dam spillage: Communities along White Volta urged to take precautions

Communities and farmers along the White Volta River basin are preparing for the annual release of water from the Bagre and Kompienga Dams in Burkina Faso, which is scheduled to begin on Monday, August 25, 2025.

The early notice has sparked concern among residents, who fear potential damage to crops, farmland, and livelihoods. Samuel Azure, a farmer in the Binduri District, expressed his worries to the Ghana News Agency, saying, “The notice is too short. We received the information only a few days ago. Initially, the spillage was scheduled for August 27, but suddenly it was moved to August 25, and we got the information just last Saturday.”

Many farmers in the area have yet to harvest their crops, making them vulnerable to losses. “Most of our farmers who planted maize and naara (early millet) are going to be adversely affected because they have not finished harvesting,” Mr. Azure added.

SONABEL, Burkina Faso’s power company and manager of the dams, announced on Saturday that the release would start two days earlier than planned due to rapidly rising water levels. A statement from Ghana’s Water Resources Commission noted that as of August 23, the Bagre Dam was 90.24 percent full at 234.27 metres, just 0.73 metres below its maximum retention level. The Kompienga Dam was 79.36 percent full at 177.90 metres, 2.10 metres below its full capacity.

Historically, the Bagre Dam spillage has caused flooding in Ghana’s Upper East and North East Regions, damaging farmland, killing livestock, and displacing families. Districts frequently affected include Binduri, Bawku West, Garu, Bawku Municipal, Tempane, Talensi, and Nabdam. Crops such as rice, maize, millet, and vegetables are particularly vulnerable, with entire farms sometimes submerged.

Jesse Kazapoe, Head of the White Volta Basin at the Water Resources Commission, urged residents to move to higher ground to ensure safety. Isaac Pabia, Upper East Regional Focal Person of the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG), called for enforcement of buffer zones along riverbanks to reduce repeated losses.

Christopher Beokena, Upper East Regional Deputy Director of NADMO, confirmed that district offices are actively educating farmers about precautionary measures. “Some farmers have started harvesting early, and we will continue to monitor the situation and provide assistance where necessary,” he said.