The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has advised residents living along the banks of the Black and White Volta Rivers to move to higher ground immediately as Burkina Faso prepares to spill the Bagre and Kupeinga Dams.
Upper East Regional Director of NADMO, Madam Rebecca Ashamawu Akolgo, issued the warning during a community engagement at Galaka in the Bawku West District, near the confluence of the two rivers. She cautioned that the impending spillage poses a major risk to lives and property in flood-prone areas.
“We have been receiving daily updates from Burkinabe authorities, and the Bagre Dam is expected to spill on Monday, August 25, due to rising water levels. The spillover could cover about two miles from the riverbanks, and residents within that zone risk being severely affected,” she said.
Madam Akolgo urged farmers and households in low-lying communities to evacuate immediately to avoid casualties.
The spillage has already inundated farmlands in Burkina Faso, displacing many, and is expected to affect several communities in northern Ghana.
Bawku West District Chief Executive, James Ayamwego, appealed to farmers not to risk their lives by attempting to save crops or property. “I understand the huge investments you’ve made in your farms, but your lives are far more important. The government will support you in the aftermath,” he assured.
He further urged traditional leaders, assembly members, and opinion leaders to reinforce NADMO’s relocation directive.
Community chiefs pledged their cooperation with NADMO’s sensitisation campaign but raised concerns about inadequate compensation after repeated losses. The Chief of Sapeliga, Naba Alasbuudi Emmanuel Abangiba Ayagiba II, called for equitable distribution of relief items to victims.
Flood-prone communities visited by the NADMO team include Sapeliga, Galaka, Guzongo, Salpiga, Kobore, and Timonde. High-risk districts identified are Bawku West, Binduri, Bawku Municipal, Garu, Nabdam, and Talensi.
