Mahama warns of sackings over Weija Dam spillway building permits

President John Dramani Mahama has warned that public officials who authorised building permits within the Weija Dam spillway area could lose their jobs amid rising concerns over construction in flood-prone zones.

Speaking during an engagement with the Ghanaian community in London on Sunday, May 31, President Mahama disclosed that he has directed the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, to investigate those who approved the permits, stressing that anyone found culpable would face sanctions.

“We need to punish those who approved these permits. I have instructed the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs to identify those responsible. We are not going to transfer them to the north; we will dismiss them,” he said.

The President blamed the problem on some traditional authorities, landowners and local assembly officials, accusing them of permitting development in waterways and flood-control areas.

He explained that portions of land around the spillway, which are meant to allow excess water from the Weija Dam to flow safely during heavy rains, have increasingly been sold for residential development.

“Part of the challenge lies with local councils and assemblies. You find houses built directly in waterways, and someone approved permits for them. Look at the Weija Dam; it has a spillway.

“During the dry season, some traditional rulers and landowners sell plots within the spillway area, and when the dam is opened, homes become flooded,” he stated.

The Weija Dam, which provides water to parts of Accra and nearby communities, is periodically spilt during heavy rainfall to prevent overflow and protect the facility.

Communities downstream, including Tetegu, are currently dealing with the effects of recent spillages, which have displaced residents and destroyed properties.