Residents living around the Weija Dam in Accra are being urged to stay alert, as Ghana Water Limited (GWL) has started controlled spillage of the dam to ease rising water levels following recent heavy rains.
The proactive move is aimed at protecting both the structural integrity of the dam and the safety of communities downstream.
According to GWL, the gradual release of water is necessary to prevent the risk of a catastrophic dam failure, which could endanger lives and damage property in the surrounding areas.
In a letter dated April 7, 2025, addressed to GWL’s Managing Director and later received by the Ga South Municipal Assembly on April 10, Regional Chief Manager Charles Tulashie highlighted the urgency of the situation.
“With the onset of the rains, the Weija Dam is gradually experiencing a rise in water levels. Any attempt to delay controlled spilling may result in compromising the structural integrity of the dam, posing a significant risk to lives and properties,” the statement explained.
GWL has assured the public that the spillage will start at a low rate to minimize the impact on nearby communities and will continue as long as water levels remain above safety thresholds. The amount of water released will be adjusted based on the volume of inflow the dam receives.
“This is to safeguard the dam from any possible collapse,” Tulashie stated, while acknowledging that the spillage could cause temporary inconvenience for residents and businesses in low-lying areas.
Authorities are advising people living along the banks of the Densu River and other flood-prone areas near the dam to stay vigilant and follow safety instructions, as weather forecasts suggest the rainy season may bring further increases in water levels.
