Ghana is brazing once again to deal with the annual disaster deliberately inflicted upon it by the managers of the Bagre Dam.
In what has become nearly a yearly and cyclical phenomenon, the owners and managers of the Bagre Dam in Burkina Faso manage to release the stored waters in the dam in such fashion as to cause the maximum damage downstream, and this year is no different.
This year, Ghana’s National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) is forecasting that large portions of land in four regions to the north of the country would be affected.
The regions to be affected are Northern, Upper East, North East Region and the Savannah Regions.
The cycle of violence and destruction imposed on Ghanaian communities to the economic benefit of Burkina Faso started several years ago.
Ghana seems incapable of finding a solution.
Yesterday the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) announced that together with SONABEL Energy, Managers of the Bagre Dam in Burkina Faso has warned communities along the White Volta over a possible spillage.
The Regions and Districts likely to be affected included, Gushegu Karaga, Nanumba South District, Tolon District, Kumbugu District, Savelugu Municipal, Nanton District, Yendi Municipal, Saboba District, Zabzugu District and Tatale /Sanguli District all from the Northern Region.
For Upper East Region, the districts are Bawku Municipality, Binduri District, Talensi District, Garu District and the Bawku West District.
The districts in the North East Region included, East Mamprusi Municipal, West Mamprusi Municipal, Mamprugu Moagduri District, Chereponi District and Bunkpurugu/Nakpanduri District.
Finally, districts in the Savannah Region included, East Gonja Municipal, Bole District, North Gonja, Central Gonja, Bole Bamboi and Sawla Tuna Kalba.
In light of this development, NADMO urged all communities and individuals in low-lying and flood-prone areas along the riverbanks to move to higher ground immediately.
A statement issued by NADMO said this precautionary step was vital to protect lives and minimise the risks of displacement, injury, and property loss.
The statement said NADMO, in partnership with stakeholders was monitoring the situation and had put in place measures to mitigate and respond effectively to any emergency that may occur as a result of the spillage.
“We appeal to the media, opinion leaders, and local authorities to help disseminate this vital information, ensuring that no one is left uninformed”
“Citizens are also encouraged to remain calm, cooperate with NADMO officials, and adhere strictly to safety directives,” the statement added.
It stressed that the protection of lives and properties remained their utmost priority, and that together with stakeholders they could minimise the impact of this spillage and keep the communities safe.
