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4 clusters · 10 sources · 23 days · First seen · Last updated

Bagre Dam spillage risk increases for northern Ghana

Overview

In early August 2026, Burkina Faso completed a three-month rehabilitation of the Kokologho Dam, raising its storage to over 806,000 cubic metres to support a 25-hectare irrigation scheme for crops and aquaculture.

Concurrently, concerns grew regarding the Bagre Dam. While initial warnings suggested a controlled spillage might begin on 11 August if levels reached 234 metres, the situation has escalated. By late August, the electricity utility SONABEL indicated it was considering opening the spillway gates as early as 28 August 2026, as the reservoir reached 234.55 metres—approximately 93.98% capacity.

On 28 August 2026, SONABEL officially announced the emergency opening of the Bagre Dam flood-release gates, scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m. The decision was necessitated by heavy rainfall that pushed water levels to a critical threshold, requiring the evacuation of excess water to protect the dam’s structural integrity.

While water levels in the Kubore stretch of Ghana were initially observed to be relatively low, the spillage is expected to significantly increase water levels downstream along the White Volta. Ghana’s National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has warned that such releases could flood the White Volta basin in the North East Region. Officials noted that floodwaters typically take 48 to 72 hours to reach Ghana. The primary risk involves the loss of riverbank crops, including maize, rice, millet, and vegetables. Authorities have urged farmers, fishermen, and herders to relocate to safer areas and prioritize personal safety over the protection of farm produce.

Entities

Bagre Dam · SONABEL · White Volta River · Kokologho dam · White Volta Basin Secretariat

Timeline

  1. 29 days ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 6 sources
    Bagre Dam water spillage scheduled for August 28

    SONABEL will begin spilling excess water from the Bagre Dam on August 28, 2026, following heavy rains. Authorities warn of potential flooding for downstream communities along the White Volta.

  2. about 1 month ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
    Bagré Dam spillway opening considered due to rising water levels

    Burkina Faso’s SONABEL may open the Bagré Dam spillway on August 28, 2026, if water levels reach 234.75 metres, potentially impacting downstream flood risks in Ghana.

  3. about 2 months ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
    Bagre Dam spillage threatens farms in Ghana's North East Region

    Ghana's NADMO warns North East residents that an early Bagre Dam release from Burkina Faso may flood the White Volta, threatening crops and prompting evacuation and early harvest advice.

  4. about 2 months ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
    Burkina Faso Restores Kokologho Dam and Plans Controlled Release from Bagre Dam

    Burkina Faso rehabilitated the Kokologho Dam to boost irrigation and food security, while the Bagre Dam may release water from 11 Aug 2026, potentially impacting downstream Ghanaian communities.

Sources

adomonline.com · chale.news · ecofinagency.com · ghanaguardian.com · ghanaiantimes.com.gh · journaldugabon.com · metrotvonline.com · myjoyonline.com · netafrique.net · theghanareport.com

This summary has been updated 2 times: see revision history