Environmental scientist urges Ghana to seek compensation over Bagre Dam flood damage

An environmental scientist at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Raymond Aitibasa Atanga, has urged government to seek compensation from Burkina Faso over the recurring destruction caused by the annual spillage of the Bagre Dam, which continues to affect farming communities in northern Ghana.

The call follows communities along the White Volta who continue to suffer heavy losses each year as floods destroy farmlands, homes, roads and other critical infrastructure.

Speaking to Citi News on Saturday, July 4, 2026, Atanga argued that Ghana has a strong legal basis to pursue compensation through the Volta Basin Authority, which was established to promote cooperation among countries that share the Volta River Basin.

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"It is time for Ghana to pursue compensation from Burkina Faso for the annual destruction caused by the Bagre Dam spillage. The losses suffered by our farmers and communities cannot continue without appropriate remedies," he stated.

He explained that while maintaining good relations between Ghana and Burkina Faso is important, the existing framework under the Volta Basin Authority should be used to address the concerns of affected communities.

"The Volta Basin Authority provides mechanisms for cooperation among member states. We should utilise those mechanisms to ensure that communities affected by these annual floods receive the attention and compensation they deserve," he said.

Atanga further noted that the annual flooding continues to threaten agricultural production, food security and economic activities across the Upper East Region and other parts of northern Ghana, making it difficult for many farming communities to recover from repeated disasters.

He therefore called for stronger collaboration between Ghana and Burkina Faso to improve the management of dam spillages, strengthen early warning systems and implement long-term flood mitigation measures.

He also urged policymakers to integrate climate adaptation and disaster resilience into regional development planning to minimise the impact of future flood events.

ANAS/EB

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