Upper East: Farmers on high alert as SONABEL sets August 11 for Bagre dam spillage

Farmers along the Kubore River in the Upper East Region have gone on high alert following an announcement that Burkina Faso's state-owned electricity company, SONABEL, will begin spilling excess water from the Bagre Dam on August 11, 2026.

The planned spillage, announced through Ghana's Water Resources Commission, has raised concerns among farming communities that have suffered significant losses from previous flood events caused by the annual release of water from the Bagre Dam.

Speaking to journalist Ibrahim Abode, some farmers in the Kubore enclave said they are closely monitoring the river and are prepared to evacuate from their farms should the water level rise beyond safe limits.

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"We are aware that the water level is likely to increase because of the heavy rains in recent days. If we notice a significant rise in the river, we will immediately leave our farms to ensure our safety," said Atubiga, a farmer at Kubore.

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Farmers in the Upper East Region monitor the Kubore River ahead of the planned Bagre Dam spillage on August 11, 2026.

According to the Water Resources Commission, information received from SONABEL indicates that as of Tuesday, August 4, 2026, the water level at the Bagre Dam stood at 232.93 metres, representing 62.77 per cent of the dam's storage capacity.

The Commission has advised residents, farmers and other communities living along the White Volta and its tributaries to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures ahead of the planned spillage.

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The annual spillage of the Bagre Dam has, over the years, caused widespread flooding in parts of northern Ghana, destroying farmlands, homes and other property, while disrupting the livelihoods of thousands of residents.

Local authorities like NADMO are expected to continue monitoring the situation and provide updates as the scheduled date for the spillage approaches.

BY: Ibrahim Abode