By Doreen Ampofo
The Ghana WASH Journalists Network (GWJN) has called for a complete overhaul of the country’s flood management strategy following the recent floods, which have claimed dozens of lives and destroyed property worth millions of cedis.
In a statement, the network expressed profound sadness over the devastating floods, describing the recurrence of the national tragedy as unacceptable. It noted that year after year, governments have promised lasting solutions, committees have been formed, reports prepared and emergency interventions undertaken, yet the same communities continue to flood whenever heavy rains occur.
The Ghana WASH Journalists Network said the causes of flooding in Accra have long been identified, citing massive encroachment on wetlands, uncontrolled construction on waterways and drainage reservations, poor land-use planning and weak enforcement of planning regulations, choked drains caused by indiscriminate dumping of refuse and silt accumulation, as well as rapid urbanisation without corresponding drainage infrastructure, among other factors.
GWJN believes Ghana must stop treating flooding as merely a seasonal emergency and instead make flood prevention a permanent national development priority.
The statement urged the Ghana Hydrological Authority (HYDRO) to collaborate with the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), the Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority (LUSPA), the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), the ministry responsible for Works and Housing, and other stakeholders to aggressively protect all remaining wetlands and natural drainage corridors from encroachment.
It further stated that no road project should be approved without comprehensive hydrological and drainage engineering.
“Every major road must include adequately designed side drains, culverts, storm-water channels and properly engineered discharge systems that convey runoff safely into rivers, lagoons and ultimately the sea. Roads should not become barriers that trap floodwaters within communities,” the statement said.
It added that the destruction of wetlands for housing, commercial developments and infrastructure must cease immediately, explaining that wetlands are nature’s flood control systems.
The GWJN also called on MMDAs and other relevant government agencies to take immediate steps to protect safe water sources from contamination.
“Pipe systems and boreholes that have already been submerged should be tested and treated for E. coli and other contaminants to make them safe for use. If possible, an emergency supply of safe drinking water should be provided to affected communities,” the statement added.
The network called on the Mahama administration to demonstrate bold political leadership in bringing a lasting solution to the decades-old challenge.
It said that, where necessary, the government must take difficult but necessary decisions, including enforcing planning laws without fear or favour, removing structures obstructing waterways, reclaiming wetlands, strengthening engineering standards for infrastructure projects, and holding public officials accountable for negligence.
The Ghana WASH Journalists Network also acknowledged the responsibility of citizens in addressing the crisis. It urged the public to stop indiscriminately dumping refuse into drains, reduce plastic pollution, and desist from illegal developments on waterways.
The statement stressed that flooding should no longer define Ghana’s rainy seasons.
“The knowledge exists. The engineering expertise exists. The institutions exist. What is now required is coordinated implementation, enforcement and sustained political commitment.”
The GWJN said the time to act decisively is now.
