Human activities along river channels, not the controlled spillage of the Weija Dam, are causing the flooding in parts of Weija. Stanley Martey, Director of Communications at Ghana Water Limited (GWL), made this announcement on June 11, 2026. He explained that many residents have built structures on buffer zones and directly within river pathways.
These illegal constructions block the natural flow of water. The impeded waterways force water to find alternative paths, leading to flooding in surrounding communities during heavy rains. Mr. Martey stated that clear policies prohibit construction along riverbanks, but these rules are often ignored.
This situation highlights Ghana's persistent challenges with urban planning and environmental enforcement. Rapid urbanization often leads to unregulated spatial expansion, particularly in peri-urban areas like Weija. The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) reported that floods displaced over 31,000 people and caused GHS 7.2 billion in damages across Ghana in 2023. Unauthorised building on waterways exacerbates these annual flood risks.
“People keep putting up structures that impede the flow of the river, and that is what is happening in the area,” Mr. Martey said on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem. He stressed that if a river is blocked, it will inevitably find a place to pass. Mr. Martey dismissed claims that GWL is responsible for the flooding due to the dam's controlled spillage. He also warned that not releasing excess water from the dam could lead to a far more severe disaster.
A dam break would have catastrophic economic and social implications for Accra. If the Weija Dam collapses, it would take an estimated three to four years to reconstruct. This would cut off water supply to about 60% of Accra's population for years. The cost of such a reconstruction project would run into billions of GHS, impacting public finance significantly. Businesses and households would face severe water shortages, disrupting economic activities across the capital.
Authorities must strengthen enforcement of building regulations along riverbanks and buffer zones. This requires collaboration between municipal assemblies, traditional leaders, and state agencies like GWL and NADMO. Public education campaigns are also crucial to inform residents about the dangers of illegal construction. Furthermore, the government needs to invest in robust urban planning infrastructure to manage population growth sustainably. Protecting critical infrastructure, like the Weija Dam, remains paramount for national security and economic stability. Local markets and property values in flood-prone areas will continue to face uncertainty without decisive action.