The Bui Power Authority (BPA) has successfully concluded its 2026 Annual Community Sensitisation Exercise, reaching 59 downstream communities across six districts and municipalities as part of efforts to enhance public safety and disaster preparedness ahead of the peak rainy season.
The five-day exercise, held from June 1 to June 5, 2026, covered communities within the Banda, Wenchi, Kintampo South, Kintampo North, Central Gonja, and Bole districts and municipalities.
The initiative forms part of BPA’s annual stakeholder engagement programme aimed at educating residents on dam operations, flood risk management, and emergency preparedness.
The sensitisation campaign brought together personnel from several departments and units of the Authority, including the Engineering Services Department (ESD), Community Relations Unit, Public Relations Unit, Transport Unit, and security personnel from the Ghana Army.
The multidisciplinary team engaged residents through community meetings and interactive discussions focused on safety and awareness.
During the engagements, BPA officials provided detailed information on the operation of the Bui Dam and the measures being implemented to ensure the safe management of water levels, particularly during the rainy season.
Residents were educated on the dangers associated with living, farming, or carrying out other activities within designated buffer and safety zones around the dam and its downstream areas.
The Authority assured community members that it continues to implement measures to prevent any unnecessary spillage from the dam.
However, officials emphasized that should operational conditions require a controlled spillage, affected communities would be informed promptly through established communication channels to enable them to take the necessary precautionary measures.
Beyond public education, the exercise also served as an opportunity for BPA to strengthen its relationship with key stakeholders.
The Authority worked closely with district assemblies, traditional leaders, opinion leaders, and community representatives to verify and update emergency contact information to facilitate swift communication in the event of an emergency.
Residents actively participated in the discussions, raising concerns on issues including compensation, fishing activities, and the potential impact of future spillages on livelihoods and property.
BPA officials responded to the concerns and reiterated the Authority’s commitment to maintaining transparency in its operations while prioritizing the safety and welfare of communities living along the downstream corridor.
The sensitisation exercise officially ended in Buipe on June 5, where community leaders commended the Authority for its proactive engagement and efforts to promote awareness and preparedness among residents.
They noted that the initiative had helped improve understanding of dam operations and reinforced the importance of adhering to safety guidelines.
BPA said the annual exercise remains a critical component of its broader strategy to safeguard lives, protect property, and strengthen collaboration with host communities.
As part of its ongoing stakeholder engagement and safety awareness programme, the Authority announced that it will soon begin a similar sensitisation exercise in upstream communities to further deepen public education and ensure comprehensive preparedness across all areas connected to the Bui Dam’s operations.
The initiative underscores BPA’s commitment to fostering strong community relations while ensuring that residents remain informed and prepared as the country enters the rainy season.
By 1960news.com
