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By: Samuel Asamoah
The Water Resources Commission (WRC) has announced that the planned controlled spillage of water from Burkina Faso’s Bagré Dam has been postponed, following a review of the dam’s current reservoir level.
The Commission says the decision follows updated information from SONABEL, the operator of the Bagré Dam, indicating that the reservoir has not yet reached the level at which controlled water release will commence.
In a press release issued on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, the WRC said the reservoir level stood at 233.08 metres, representing a 75.40 percent filling rate.
The current level is 1.92 metres below the normal reservoir level of 235.00 metres.
The latest update comes after the Commission’s earlier announcement on August 4, 2026, which warned stakeholders and communities along potentially affected watercourses about the planned spillage from the dam.
According to the WRC, SONABEL has postponed the commencement of the controlled spillage as it continues to monitor the reservoir level.
The Burkina Faso dam operator is expected to begin releasing water when the reservoir level reaches 234.50 metres.
The revised threshold means the dam is currently 1.42 metres below the level required for controlled spillage to begin.
The WRC said it is closely monitoring developments and will continue to provide updates to stakeholders and the general public regarding the situation.
The Commission further indicated that it will communicate the specific date and time for the controlled release once SONABEL confirms that the reservoir has reached the required level.
The development is particularly significant for communities and farmers along downstream water systems in northern Ghana, especially those located along the Kubore River, who had earlier been advised to remain vigilant over the possibility of increased water levels following the anticipated spillage.
The postponement, however, does not mean the risk has been completely ruled out, as the reservoir level could rise further depending on rainfall and inflows into the dam.
The WRC has therefore urged stakeholders and residents in potentially affected areas to continue paying attention to official updates and advisories concerning the Bagré Dam.
The Commission reiterated that it will continue to monitor the reservoir and provide timely information on any changes to the planned controlled spillage.
