A resident speaking to the media
Despite repeated warnings from the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) about the impending spillage of the Weija Dam, residents living in low-lying communities along the dam have vowed to stay put, citing desperation and a lack of relocation options.
GWCL, earlier this week, began spilling excess water from the dam by opening two of its five gates, a move necessitated by rising water levels due to recent heavy rains.
The company warned that the spillage was critical to protecting the dam’s structural integrity and preventing a potential disaster.
However, many residents in flood-prone areas say they have nowhere else to go.
“We’ve been through this before. Every year, they open the dam, and water enters our homes. But where do they expect us to go?” one resident asked in frustration.
With past spillages leading to widespread flooding, displacement, and property damage, residents remain fearful—but resolute. Some said they were prepared to climb onto rooftops to survive the floods rather than abandon their homes.
“Even if the water comes, we’ll stay on the roof if we have to. We’re not leaving because we have no other choice,” another resident said.
The Weija Dam spillage has become an annual challenge for communities along its banks. Yet, many claim that this year, authorities failed to adequately engage them before opening the dam gates. Several residents expressed anger toward GWCL for not directly informing them or involving community leaders in advance.
“They didn’t come to speak with us. They just opened the gates. We should have been part of the conversation,” a community member said.
As of now, only two gates have been opened, but GWCL has indicated that more may follow depending on weather conditions and water levels.
