GWCL begins controlled spillage of Weija Dam to prevent flooding

Ghana Water Limited (GWCL) has commenced a controlled release of excess water from the Weija Dam as a preventive measure against potential overflow during the ongoing rainy season.

Stanley Martey, the Communications Director of GWCL, revealed that the water level in the Dam currently stands at 44.4 feet. As a result, two spillway gates have been opened to allow the safe discharge of water and reduce pressure on the dam.

“We have already started at 44ft with two gates opened when we announced to the general public,” he confirmed during an interview with TV3 on Thursday, May 22, 2025.

According to GWCL's operational guidelines, the maximum safe level for the Dam is 48 feet. However, Mr. Martey noted that the utility company typically initiates spillage when the water reaches 44 feet, as a proactive measure to preserve the structural integrity of the dam.

“Rains have set in again and we are seeing very high inflows into the Weija Dam from the Densu river. Our expectation is that we will be spilling more when the inflows are more than the outflows,” he explained.

“As a company and per our standard operations, we don't want to go beyond 47 feet. So, at 44 feet we start with minimal spillage,” he added.

He warned that the rate of spillage could increase significantly if rainfall intensifies and the dam continues to receive large volumes of water from upstream sources.

“If we are not careful and the Dam is collapsed, the repercussions will be more disastrous than what we have seen in times past,” he cautioned.

Mr. Martey urged residents in low-lying and buffer zone areas around the dam to begin evacuating immediately. He also appealed to local authorities and disaster management agencies to implement precautionary measures to minimize the risk of widespread damage.