Poor city planning in Accra is being cited as a major factor in the increasing risk of floods in Ghana’s capital. Experts urge urgent infrastructural reforms to mitigate the damage.
Environmental groups in Ghana are raising concerns about Accra’s susceptibility to flooding. They are calling on the government to prioritize flood defenses and develop additional preventative measures.
Nearly 3 million people reside in Accra, where overcrowding has compelled tens of thousands to relocate to high-risk flood areas. This problem is exacerbated by the heightened frequency and intensity of rainstorms fueled by climate change.
For the past 15 years, Adiza Abdul Mumin, who lives in the flood-prone slum of Adabraka in Accra, has experienced firsthand the destructive effects of flooding.
“She explained that the situation becomes dire during the rainy season. Floodwaters fill her room, causing restless nights and a spike in her blood pressure.”
There is widespread concern that these flood conditions could lead to an increase in deadly diseases and other illnesses.
Malik Mino Ereira, an environmentalist with the organization Planet Waves, blames the situation on inadequate urban planning and insufficient enforcement of existing regulations.
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“The issue arises from inadequate planning, stemming from city authorities’ failure to enforce laws. Additionally, urbanization contributes significantly as people move into the area seeking housing; consequently, they clear vegetation to make room for their homes,” explained Ereira.
Numerous homes in Accra are located in low-lying regions, making them more vulnerable to flooding. Ereira highlights the city’s insufficient infrastructure by noting blocked drains choked with silt and plastic. These blockages disrupt proper water flow, worsening flood conditions.
Ereira stated, “As we build, we’ll design areas that allow water to flow properly and prevent flooding. Additionally, it’s crucial to tackle the sanitation issues by discouraging people from using gutters as dumping grounds for waste. Furthermore, I urge those with resources: when constructing new buildings, incorporate green spaces and revive a culture of greenery so trees can help absorb excess water.”
Although local authorities have implemented temporary measures like dredging drains and demolishing structures along waterways, many people find these solutions inadequate.
Environmentalists contend that a comprehensive transformation of the city’s housing is essential, highlighting the growing danger posed to coastal communities such as Accra by rising sea levels.
As authorities work to enhance Accra’s flood resilience, residents like Adiza are confronted with a tough decision: leave their homes or prepare for increasingly difficult conditions.
