As Ghana begins to experience heavier rainfall with the onset of the rainy season, the Ghana Water Limited (GWL) has issued a stern public warning regarding controlled spillage at the Weija Dam, urging immediate evacuation of communities located downstream.

In a press release dated Friday, May 23, 2025, GWL confirmed that the dam’s current water level has reached 45 feet—just two feet shy of its maximum safe operating limit of 47 feet.

While the dam remains structurally sound, authorities have begun releasing excess water in a controlled manner to prevent a catastrophic breach that could arise if the water level surpasses safe limits.

“We are conducting a minimal spillage operation to safeguard the structural integrity of the dam and avert any potential disaster,” said Stanley Martey, Chief Manager of Public Relations and Communications at GWL.

Historical Context and Flood Risk

The Weija Dam has long served as a vital source of potable water for Accra and its environs.

However, its spillage has often posed severe flooding risks to nearby low-lying communities.

In previous years, similar operations have led to the destruction of homes, loss of property, and displacement of residents—most notably in 2022 and 2023 when torrential rains and late evacuations turned the annual spillage into a humanitarian crisis.

Learning from these past experiences, GWL is acting with heightened urgency this year.

The agency is warning that unless immediate action is taken, the situation could again escalate into a disaster.

Communities at Risk

Among the communities most at risk of flooding are: Tetegu, Oblogo, Pambros Salt, Lower McCarthy Hill, Lower Weija, Bojo Beach, Adakope and surrounding areas.

GWL has formally notified the Ga South and Ga West Municipal Assemblies, along with the chiefs of Weija, Ogblogo, Tetegu, Gbawe, and opinion leaders within these areas.

In addition, private institutions, businesses, and property owners with facilities near the dam’s outflow path have been advised to stay alert and make emergency preparations.

Calls for Action and Coordination

GWL has also urged the Ga West Municipal Assembly to expedite desilting of the estuary to allow for efficient drainage of excess water into the sea.

Refuse blocking river paths must be cleared immediately to prevent water from backing up into residential zones.

To coordinate the response and ensure public safety, key state agencies including the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) and National Security have been brought on board.

These agencies are tasked with mobilizing evacuation efforts, educating affected populations, and ensuring that emergency shelters and response plans are ready if the situation worsens.

Public Cooperation Needed

GWL emphasized that while the current spillage is minimal, continuous rainfall could increase the volume of water released.

Management is therefore urging residents to heed all warnings issued by NADMO and municipal authorities, and to vacate flood-prone areas without delay.

“We kindly request that all affected residents remain cooperative and adhere to any safety instructions issued by the Municipal Assembly to ensure their safety and prevent any untoward incidents,” Martey stressed.