Drought conditions observed across Volta Basin -VBA warns of worsening conditions in Ghana
The Volta Basin Authority (VBA) has reported moderate drought conditions across the Volta Basin, covering the period from January 14 to February 13, 2025.
While the overall risk remains low to moderate, specific areas are facing challenges that could affect agriculture and water resources.
This was contained in a bulletin developed with input from meteorological and hydrological agencies from six riparian countries — Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Togo, Burkina Faso, Mali and Benin — was supported by international partners including the Adaptation Fund, the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and the CIMA Foundation.
In Ghana, the bulletin said the Upper East and Upper West regions were experiencing no significant drought risk.
Moderate drought
However, it observed moderate drought in Nakpayili (Northern Region), Kpandai (Oti Region) and parts of the Volta Region including Hohoe and Jasikan.
“Conditions in the middle and upper portions of the basin are expected to worsen in the coming weeks,” the report added.
The bulletin reported that moderate drought persisted in Cote d’Ivoire, particularly, the Zanzan region, where below-average rainfall was impacting agriculture production and water availability.
In Togo, the report said moderate drought was being recorded in the Kara region, particularly in Dankpen, Bassar and Pagouda.
It noted severe drought conditions in parts of the Plateaux and Maritime regions in December 2024, though current risks to populations remained low to moderate.
Report
The report said a typical dry-season conditions prevailed in Burkina Faso with no major risks to agriculture or populations reported.
In Mali, it said water availability was sufficient for both drinking and agricultural use, with off-season crops such as rice and market gardening performing well.
The report revealed that drought risks were minimal in Benin, with stable conditions for agriculture and populations.
Key Observations
The VBA characterised the drought conditions as normal for this time of year, citing stable evapotranspiration and vegetation indices. However, it warned of potential worsening conditions in some areas, particularly in Ghana’s middle and upper basin regions.
The VBA is urging member states to remain vigilant and implement climate resilience measures to mitigate the potential impacts of worsening drought conditions.
It also called for enhanced regional cooperation to help protect agricultural productivity, preserve water resources and ensure the well-being of populations across the basin.