Ghana Water Limited Begins Weija Dam Spillage Ahead of Schedule Amid Rising Water Levels

Ghana Water Limited (GWL) has commenced the controlled spillage of excess water from the Weija Dam a day earlier than originally announced. While the exercise was initially scheduled to begin on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, the company moved the start date forward to September 8 due to a rapid rise in water levels. Heavy rainfall upstream caused the dam’s water levels to reach 45.2 feet, nearing the critical maximum threshold of 46 feet. The early intervention is a strategic measure intended to protect the dam’s structural integrity and mitigate the risk of catastrophic flooding in surrounding areas.

Downstream communities, including Tetegu, Oblogo, Lower Weija, and Bojo Beach, have been placed on high alert as the spillage continues. Dennis Nartey Adjannor, the Greater Accra Regional Director of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), stated that the situation is being monitored around the clock. Both GWL and NADMO have issued urgent directives for residents in these high-risk areas to evacuate their homes and relocate to safer ground. Authorities are particularly concerned about residents living in unauthorized zones close to the water course, stressing that compliance is essential to prevent the loss of life and property.

The spillage is described as a necessary precautionary action to manage the sudden influx of water from the Densu River basin. In a statement released shortly before the spillage began, GWL emphasized the importance of following official evacuation protocols and requested the full cooperation of local authorities to assist in the process. The company noted that the controlled release allows for a more predictable flow of water than an accidental breach, though it still poses significant challenges for those living in the floodplains.

As the rainy season continues, GWL and NADMO have committed to providing regular updates on the dam’s status and any changes in the spillage volume. The current situation highlights the perennial vulnerability of communities downstream of the Weija Dam and the ongoing pressure on Ghana’s water infrastructure during periods of heavy precipitation. Residents are advised to remain vigilant, stay tuned to official news channels, and prioritize safety until the water levels recede and the spillage exercise is concluded.