An environmental scientist at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Dr. Raymond Aitibasa Atanga, has called on government to pursue compensation from Burkina Faso over the recurring destruction caused by the annual spillage of the Bagre Dam.
He indicated that the persistent flooding has resulted in significant losses to farming communities in northern Ghana, destroying farmlands, homes, infrastructure and livelihoods almost every year.
Speaking to Citi News, Dr. Atanga said the time had come for Ghana to seek redress under the legal framework governing the shared water resources of the Volta Basin.
“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.
Dr. Atanga explained that Ghana has a legitimate basis to engage Burkina Faso through the Volta Basin Authority, whose charter promotes cooperation among member states in the equitable and sustainable management of the Volta River Basin.
He noted that while cooperation between the two countries remains essential, communities affected by the annual floods deserve adequate support and compensation for the repeated losses they endure.
“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.
The environmental scientist warned that the recurring floods continue to undermine agricultural production, food security and local economic development across parts of the Upper East Region and other northern areas.
He called for stronger bilateral engagement between Ghana and Burkina Faso to improve the management of dam spillages, enhance early warning systems and develop long-term flood mitigation measures to protect vulnerable communities.
Dr. Atanga also urged policymakers to incorporate disaster resilience and climate adaptation strategies into regional development planning to reduce the socio-economic impact of future flood events.
The annual spillage of the Bagre Dam in neighbouring Burkina Faso has repeatedly inundated communities along the White Volta in northern Ghana, causing extensive damage to crops, homes, roads and other infrastructure, while displacing thousands of residents in affected districts.
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