Management of the Ghana Water Limited (GWL) is preparing to release excess water from the Weija Dam to lower its water level, following recent heavy rains that have caused a significant rise and raised safety concerns.

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In a letter, the Managing Director and General Manager of GWL, Greater Accra Regional Chief Manager, Charles Tulashie, warned that failing to release water soon could compromise the dam's structural integrity, putting lives and property at risk.

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“This is to inform you that with the onset of the rains, the Weija Dam is gradually experiencing a rise in its water level, and failure to commence immediate controlled spilling may result in compromising the structural integrity of the dam, posing a significant risk to lives and properties,” the letter stated.

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The letter further assured that while the spillage would begin at a low rate to minimize downstream impact, the actual rate would be adjusted based on the volume of water entering the dam.

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GWL emphasized that the spillage would continue for as long as the water level rises, in order to prevent a potential collapse.

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This precautionary measure draws parallels to the situation in September 2023, when the Volta River Authority (VRA) was forced to release excess water from the Akosombo Dam. That decision followed heavy rainfall, which pushed the dam’s water levels beyond safe limits and threatened its structural stability.

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Although necessary, the controlled spillage from Akosombo led to widespread flooding in several communities along the lower Volta Basin, especially in the North, Central, and South Tongu districts of the Volta Region.

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The aftermath was devastating—over 35,000 residents were displaced as entire villages were submerged. Schools, farms, and key infrastructure were destroyed, leaving families in distress.An inter-ministerial committee was set by the government to help address havoc caused downstream by the Akosombo Dam spillage.

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In the wake of the disaster, many called on the government to declare a state of emergency, particularly in hard-hit areas like Mepe.

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Relief efforts were launched by both government and development partners. UNICEF provided emergency supplies including health kits, hygiene items, and educational materials to support affected families.

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Additionally, Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, inaugurated new homes for 300 displaced individuals under the "Safe Alternative Housing Project," an initiative led by the First Sky Group.

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The government also allocated GH¢220 million in the 2024 budget to support victims. This package included essential relief supplies, resettlement support, and programs to restore livelihoods.

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The disaster highlighted the vulnerability of communities situated in low-lying areas and underscored the urgent need for long-term strategies to mitigate flood risks.

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The Akosombo incident served not only as a technical challenge but also as a human tragedy that emphasized the importance of preparedness and resilient infrastructure.

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Without significant investment in flood prevention, improved drainage, and early warning systems, communities such as Mepe, Battor, Aveyime, Sogakope, and Tefle along the lower Volta Basin may continue to face similar threats in the future.

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