President John Dramani Mahama is considering the construction of small reservoirs in communities affected by the annual spillage of the Bagre Dam, with the aim of storing floodwater for dry-season farming.
Upper East Regional Minister Akamugri Donatus Atanga disclosed the proposal during a visit to Sapelega in the Bawku West District on 3 September. He was accompanied by the Bawku West District Chief Executive, James Ayamwego, and officials from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO).
The proposed dugouts would be built away from the riverbanks and used to capture water released when the dam in Burkina Faso is opened each year.
“So that when the spillage is done, then the waters can be collected over there. And when it comes to dry season, those hold-up areas, the water will still be there for us to do the dry-season farming, so that we will see the spillage of the Bagre Dam to be a blessing instead of being a curse,” Mr Akamugri said.
He said the plan was part of government efforts to develop a long-term response to the repeated flooding of communities along the White Volta during the annual spillage.
“President John Dramani Mahama is thinking outside the box to see how we’ll be able to address this perennial problem so that it shouldn’t be ritual for us every year when it comes to the rainy season,” he stated.
Mr Akamugri said retaining the excess water could reduce the damage caused by flooding while providing communities with a reliable source of water for agriculture during the dry season.
The visit to Sapelega took place as the latest spillage of the Bagre Dam continued. The spillage began on 28 August and has raised concerns among communities located along the White Volta.
The Regional Minister said residents had been informed about the planned release of water after the Bawku West District Assembly and NADMO were notified by the relevant authorities.
He nevertheless urged people living near the river to remain alert, warning that further heavy rainfall could increase the volume of water released and result in sudden flooding.
Particular emphasis was placed on keeping children away from the riverbanks.
“People should stay away from the riverbanks. We shouldn’t be closer to the riverbank, especially the children. Don’t let them get closer,” he cautioned.
The annual release from the Bagre Dam has regularly affected communities downstream, particularly during Ghana’s rainy season. The proposed reservoirs are intended to provide a way of managing part of the released water rather than allowing it all to contribute to flooding.
Mr Akamugri assured residents that the government would continue to assist communities affected by the spillage. He added that authorities would pursue the proposed infrastructure as part of efforts to find a lasting answer to the annual flooding problem, while also supporting farming activity during the dry season.
