Thousands of residents have been left stranded, and many have been forced to flee their homes following a controlled spillage of the Weija Dam. The release of excess water from the dam is intended to prevent a possible overflow due to rising water levels that had exceeded safe operating limits.

An official announcement by the management of Ghana Water Limited on Wednesday, May 27, emphasised the importance of the exercise as the dam’s water level had risen above 48 feet.

“The water level in the dam has currently risen above the maximum operating level of 48 feet. Consequently, all spill gates of the dam are being opened to allow for the controlled spillage of excess water in order to safeguard the structural integrity and safety of the dam,” the statement said.

The statement added that the measure was precautionary and intended to protect the structural integrity of the facility during the rainy season.

The Ghana Water Limited (GWL) has warned residents of Weija and its surrounding communities of a looming "disaster" if they fail to evacuate.The company has begun a controlled spillage of excess water from the Weija Dam, and to avert any crisis, it has warned residents of communities likely to be affected to move immediately.

A statement from the water supply company issued on Friday, 23 May, revealed that water levels at the dam have reached 45 feet, just two feet shy of its maximum operating level, due to the onset of the rainy season.

“To safeguard the structural integrity of the dam and avert any potential disaster, minimal spillage has begun,” the statement said.

“The Management of GWL is, by this release, sounding a word of caution to inhabitants downstream to evacuate the area to forestall any eventuality.”

Communities named to be affected by the imminent spillage include Tetegu, Oblogo, Pambros Salt, Lower McCarthy Hill, Lower Weija, Bojo Beach, Adakope, and surrounding areas.

Consequently, GWL has directed all residents in the flagged zone to move to higher grounds and strictly adhere to safety instructions issued by the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and other relevant agencies.

The key directives include immediate evacuation to higher ground, avoiding low-lying areas, and staying away from flooded roads and bridges to prevent accidents.

NADMO has also advised residents to secure valuables and turn off electrical appliances.

The company has also called on the Ga West Municipal Assembly to ensure that all the estuary is desilted and all refuse is cleared along the river course to ensure the free flow of water into the sea and minimize flooding risks.

“We kindly request that all affected residents remain cooperative and adhere to any safety instructions issued by the Municipal Assembly to ensure their safety and prevent any untoward incidents,” the statement added.

GWL stressed that public cooperation is crucial to prevent a repeat of past flood disasters caused by dam overflows.

Several spillages of water from the dam in the past led to flooding of homes and destruction of properties.