GWL warns residents to evacuate ahead of weija dam spillage

The Ghana Water Limited (GWL) has urged residents living in unauthorised areas along the course of the Weija River to evacuate immediately ahead of the resumption of spillage from the Weija Dam.

GWL Chief Manager and Head of Public Relations, Stanley Martey, said the spillage would begin as scheduled on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, as rising water levels in the dam require the release of excess water to protect its structural integrity.

He urged residents downstream, particularly those occupying areas along the river course towards the estuary, to comply with evacuation directives from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) to prevent possible loss of lives and property.

“We have given enough notice, and the expectation is that everybody living in unauthorised areas along the course of the river, right down to the estuary, will evacuate to forestall any eventuality,” he said on Tuesday, September 8.

Mr Martey expressed concern over reports that some residents were reluctant to relocate despite warnings and advice from NADMO.

He appealed to the affected residents to take the warnings seriously, stressing that the primary objective was to prevent a repeat of the destruction caused by flooding in recent months.

“They need to heed our warning. Whether they are Christians, Muslims or belong to any other faith, there are teachings that encourage people to listen when they are being guided. We are therefore urging residents to listen to us and take the necessary precautions to protect themselves,” he said.

Mr Martey warned that failure to evacuate could have devastating consequences in the event of a dam failure.

“If they do not move and the dam is to collapse, the water will definitely wipe out all their properties and they themselves,” he cautioned.

He explained that the initial spillage would be minimal, with one gate expected to be opened. However, additional gates could be opened if water levels in the dam continued to rise.

According to Mr Martey, the severity and duration of the spillage could not be determined in advance, as these would depend on the volume of water flowing into the dam.

He therefore urged residents in vulnerable areas to cooperate with the authorities and relocate to safer locations before the spillage begins.