The Minister for Works and Housing, Hon. Francis Asenso-Boakye, has announced that the government will take firm action against individuals and groups encroaching on the Weija Dam and its surrounding catchment areas. This comes amid growing concerns over illegal settlements and activities that threaten the structural integrity of the dam and the safety of nearby communities.
Speaking at a press briefing in Accra, the minister emphasized that protecting the Weija Dam, which supplies water to millions in the Greater Accra Region, is a national priority. “We cannot compromise the safety of our people and the sustainability of our water resources,” Hon. Asenso-Boakye said. “Anyone found violating regulations around the dam will be dealt with in accordance with the law.”
The Works and Housing Ministry, in collaboration with the Water Resources Commission and local authorities, has mapped out areas identified as high-risk due to unauthorized settlements and industrial activities. Residents living in these zones have been given notices to vacate, with the government promising both enforcement and support for relocation where necessary.
Experts have repeatedly warned that encroachments along the Weija Dam increase the risk of flooding, water contamination, and structural damage, especially during the rainy season. The recent inspection by the Ministry revealed that some buildings and small-scale industries have sprung up dangerously close to the dam’s perimeter.
Hon. Asenso-Boakye assured Ghanaians that the government’s approach would be both firm and fair. “We aim to protect public infrastructure while ensuring that residents are treated with dignity and provided with viable alternatives,” he stated.
Civil society groups have welcomed the government’s commitment but urged swift action to prevent further deterioration of the dam’s surroundings. “We must act now before it’s too late,” noted one environmental advocate.
The crackdown is expected to begin in the coming weeks, with authorities urging all encroachers to voluntarily relocate to safer areas to avoid legal consequences.
