Hot Source….As Bagré Dam spillage looms
Daniel Dung Mahama, Member of Parliament (MP) for Talensi in the Upper East Region, has expressed deep concern over the imminent spillage from the Bagré Dam in Burkina Faso, warning that it will have a severe impact on communities along the White Volta.
The Water Resources Commission (WRC), has confirmed that controlled spillage of the dam will begin on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, following an update from SONABEL, Burkina Faso’s national power company.
As of Friday, 22 August, the dam’s water level stood at 233.98 metres, representing 86.38 per cent of its capacity.
Mr Mahama noted that although farmers in his constituency had planted early in anticipation of the annual floods, many of their crops, particularly maize, are not yet ready for harvest and are at risk of destruction.
He added that poor road conditions have hampered efforts to sell fresh produce, leaving many farmers vulnerable to devastating losses.
Speaking to Accra-based Citi FM on Saturday, the MP disclosed that he has been working with the District Chief Executive and the local NADMO coordinator to alert communities along the White Volta to relocate before the spillage begins. Public education campaigns are also planned through churches and mosques to safeguard lives and property.
In an advisory, the WRC urged residents along the White Volta and adjoining areas to take precautionary measures, stressing: “Communities are advised to adhere to safety guidelines from the local assemblies and the appropriate agencies.”
The annual Bagré Dam spillage has historically caused flooding in Ghana’s northern regions, resulting in the destruction of farms, livestock, and homes. Authorities have consistently urged residents to relocate temporarily during the exercise to minimise casualties and losses.
This year’s exercise comes at a particularly concerning time, as Ghana is already grappling with heavy seasonal rainfall. Experts fear the combined effect could worsen flooding downstream.
SONABEL has confirmed that the spillage, scheduled for 08:00 on Wednesday, 27 August, is a routine safety measure to prevent uncontrolled overflow and potential dam failure. The company revealed that the Kompienga Dam currently stands at 177.66 metres, or 77.26 per cent of its capacity, and remains under close monitoring.
In a statement dated 22 August, signed by Kindo Issiaka, Head of Hydraulics at SONABEL, the company disclosed that the dam’s current upstream elevation stands at 233.98 metres, with a filling rate of 86.38 per cent. The reservoir level is just 1.02 metres below the normal retention level, necessitating the release of excess water to protect the dam’s structural integrity.
A subsequent public notice from SONABEL’s Department of Communication and Public Relations confirmed: “SONABEL will proceed to open the valves of the dam flood drain on 27 August 2025, from 08:00.”
The notice strongly advised downstream communities to remain vigilant, stating: “SONABEL therefore invites the populations living downstream of the dam to remain vigilant and to take necessary precautions against the potential risks of flooding as a result of this measure.”
The announcement serves as an early warning to communities along the White Volta Basin in both Burkina Faso and northern Ghana, which often suffer flooding following the Bagré Dam spillage.
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