The Water Resources Commission (WRC) has issued an early warning to communities along the White Volta River following notification from Burkina Faso that a controlled spillage of the Bagré Dam could commence on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, if the reservoir reaches its operational trigger level.

The announcement serves as an important precautionary measure for residents living in flood-prone communities across northern Ghana, particularly those situated along the White Volta Basin, where previous dam spillages have resulted in flooding, displacement and damage to farms and infrastructure.

Water Level Near Trigger Point

According to information received by the WRC from SONABEL, the operator of the Bagré Dam in Burkina Faso, the reservoir’s water level stood at 232.93 metres as of August 4, 2026, representing 62.77 percent of its storage capacity.

The Commission explained that controlled water releases will only begin if the reservoir rises to 234.00 metres, the threshold established to ensure the structural safety of the dam.

Although the trigger level had not yet been reached at the time of the announcement, authorities are encouraging downstream communities to begin preparations well in advance.

WRC Urges Communities to Prepare

The Water Resources Commission has advised residents living along the White Volta River and adjoining communities to remain vigilant and comply with safety directives issued by Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), and other relevant emergency agencies.

Residents have been urged to:

• Stay informed through official announcements.
• Follow evacuation or safety directives from local authorities.
• Protect lives, livestock and property where necessary.
• Avoid crossing swollen rivers or flood-prone areas if water levels begin to rise.

The Commission assured the public that it will continue monitoring water levels at the Bagré Dam and provide timely updates should conditions change.

Why the Bagré Dam Matters to Ghana

Located in neighbouring Burkina Faso, the Bagré Dam is periodically subjected to controlled water releases during periods of heavy rainfall to protect the integrity of the reservoir.

While the controlled spillage is a routine dam safety measure, it often leads to rising water levels downstream in Ghana’s White Volta Basin, affecting several communities in the Upper East, North East, Northern and Savannah Regions.

Past spillages have caused flooding that destroyed homes, submerged farmlands, disrupted transportation and displaced thousands of residents, making early warning notices critical for disaster preparedness.

Authorities Continue Monitoring Situation

Officials emphasise that the planned August 11 operation is conditional and will only proceed if the reservoir reaches the required water level.

The WRC says it remains in close communication with SONABEL and will continue issuing updates to ensure that communities receive accurate and timely information regarding any changes to the situation.

With the rainy season continuing across the sub-region, authorities are encouraging residents to remain alert while avoiding unnecessary panic, stressing that preparedness remains the best defence against potential flooding.