Accra, Ghana — Monday, August 25, 2025 – Burkina Faso’s national power company, SONABEL, has commenced a controlled spillage of the Bagre Dam, sparking fear among farming communities along the White Volta basin in Ghana.

The spillage, which was originally scheduled to begin on Wednesday, August 27, has been brought forward due to rapidly rising water levels. As of Saturday, August 23, the Bagre Dam stood at an elevation of 234.27 meters, representing 90.24% of its capacity — just 0.73 meters below its maximum retention level. The Kompienga Dam, meanwhile, was at 177.90 meters, or 79.36% full, about 2.10 meters below its normal retention level.

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For many communities in the Upper East and North East Regions of Ghana, the annual Bagre Dam spillage has become a period of anxiety and hardship. The release of water frequently results in devastating floods, causing displacement, loss of lives, snakebites, and the destruction of farmlands. This year, residents fear the worst, given the limited time to harvest crops or relocate from flood-prone areas.

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The Water Resources Commission (WRC) has urged residents to remain vigilant and adhere strictly to precautionary guidelines issued by local assemblies and disaster management agencies. Mr. Jesse Kazapoe, Head of the White Volta Basin at WRC, confirmed that the commission has engaged farmers, advising them to move to safer grounds.

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“We have sent out education to farmers to relocate in order to safeguard lives. However, we cannot guarantee that crops will not be lost, as many farmers are still in the middle of harvesting,” Mr. Kazapoe stated.

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Similarly, Mr. Isaac Pabia, Upper East Regional Focal Person and National Secretary of the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG), warned that farming activities along riverbanks continue to put livelihoods at risk.

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“Some of our farmers have already evacuated, but there is the urgent need to enforce buffer zones along water bodies so that farmlands are not continuously destroyed by floods every year,” he noted.

The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has also intensified efforts to mitigate the impact. Mr. Christopher Beokena, Upper East Regional Deputy Director (Administration) of NADMO, disclosed that district directors have been deployed to sensitize communities on the impending risks and precautionary steps.

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“As we speak, some farmers have started harvesting, even though their crops are not fully mature. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide assistance where necessary,” he assured.

As the spillage begins, all eyes are on the White Volta basin, where farmers and residents brace for the unfolding situation. Authorities continue to urge swift adherence to safety measures to reduce the risk of casualties and loss of livelihoods.