Ghana Water Limited has begun controlled spillage from the Weija Dam after rising water levels following heavy rainfall increased the risk of flooding in downstream communities.
The water utility had initially announced that spillage would resume on Wednesday, but opened one gate on Tuesday after water levels rose significantly upstream.
Dennis Nartey Adjannor, the Greater Accra regional director of the National Disaster Management Organisation, said the early release was intended to prevent a larger discharge that could increase flooding risks downstream.
Ghana Water Limited had said the dam’s water level reached 45.2 feet, approaching the 46-foot threshold, following heavy rains upstream and continued rainfall across the catchment of the Densu River and its tributaries.
Adjannor said the initial release involved opening one gate by six inches, with authorities monitoring the water level and prepared to increase the release gradually if levels continued to rise.
Ghana Water Limited has urged residents downstream to evacuate and comply with official safety directives.
Communities identified as potentially affected include Tetegu, Oblogo, Pambros Salt, Lower McCarthy Hill, Lower Weija, Bojo Beach and Ada Kopey, along with surrounding areas.
The utility has also called on NADMO, district authorities, traditional leaders, assembly members and residents’ associations to take precautionary measures and prepare for possible evacuation.
