Takwara drowned in the White Volta River at Yama, near Walewale in the North East Region, on the evening of Monday, August 25, 2025. The deceased, originally from Kpasenkpe but farming in Yama, was attempting to harvest his crops with the help of ten other men when tragedy struck.
According to the Assembly Member for the area, Takwara asked his companions to begin working across the river while he stayed behind to fetch water and food but never returned. A search was launched, and his body was later discovered in the river.
Jacob Nluki, Assembly Member for the Kpasenkpe Traditional Area, confirmed the incident and emphasized that the significantly increased river levels were caused by the Bagre Dam spillage. The body has since been recovered and buried in accordance with Islamic customs.
The Bagre Dam (Barrage de Bagré), located in Burkina Faso, plays a crucial role in hydroelectric power generation, irrigation, and water supply. However, its controlled release of water — especially during heavy rainfall — frequently causes widespread flooding in downstream regions of Ghana, including the North East, Upper East, and Upper West Regions.
This annual flooding continues to threaten agriculture, damage infrastructure, and heighten the risk of waterborne diseases.
Prior to this tragedy, the Société Nationale d’Électricité du Burkina Faso (SONABEL) had announced on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, that spillage of the Bagre Dam was imminent. Subsequently, the North East Regional branch of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) issued an urgent warning advising farmers to harvest their crops immediately to minimize losses.
The death of Baba Takwara serves as a painful reminder of the recurring human cost of the Bagre Dam spillage and highlights the urgent need for stronger preventive measures to safeguard vulnerable communities.
Source: 3news
