Weija Dam Spillage Forces Evacuations As Floodwaters Submerge Communities

Residents in several communities along the Weija enclave have begun evacuating their homes after the controlled spillage of excess water from the Weija Dam caused flooding in parts of Accra West.

The flooding follows an announcement by Ghana Water Limited that the water level at the dam had risen above the maximum operating level of 48 feet due to heavy rains and increased inflows into the reservoir.

In a press release issued on May 27, the company said all spill gates of the dam had been opened to release excess water in order to protect the structural integrity of the facility and prevent any disaster.

Ghana Water explained that controlled spillage is a routine safety measure carried out during periods of heavy rainfall whenever the water level exceeds safe operational limits. The company also warned that the exercise could continue for months, depending on rainfall patterns and inflow volumes.

By Thursday morning, floodwaters had already submerged homes and roads in downstream communities, including Tetegu, Sampah Valley and Choice, forcing residents to relocate belongings and seek safer areas.

Videos circulating online showed residents using canoes to move household items through flooded streets.

The Greater Accra Regional Security Council (REGSEC) subsequently ordered the immediate evacuation of persons living along the river course downstream of the dam.

Greater Accra Regional Minister Linda Ocloo said emergency teams would assess the extent of destruction and support affected residents.

The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) also defended the advance communication surrounding the exercise, rejecting claims that residents were not adequately informed before the spillage began.

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) later announced power outages in parts of the Accra West Region after floodwaters affected some electricity distribution substations.

Ghana Water had earlier cautioned residents in vulnerable communities to move immediately from low-lying areas to avoid loss of lives and property.

The company further disclosed that district assemblies and relevant agencies were expected to clear structures and other obstructions that hinder the free flow of water into the sea in order to reduce the risk of severe flooding.