The minister and his team visited Old Barrier, Weija, Kokrobite, Ofankor Barrier, Haatso and Adenta
The Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, has reiterated the need for a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach to effectively address perennial flooding, which continues to cause devastation, especially in parts of Accra.
The sector minister observed that incidents of heavy flooding—which often leave a trail of destruction to livelihoods and, in some cases, result in loss of lives—cannot be tackled and mitigated by a single institution. He emphasized that ministries such as Roads and Highways, Local Government, and various Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) all have critical collaborative roles to play.
The minister made these observations when he led a delegation from the Ghana Hydrological Authority to areas severely affected by flooding following Sunday’s heavy downpour.
The minister visited Old Barrier, Weija, Kokrobite, Ofankor Barrier, Hatso, and Adenta.
“For instance, while the Ministry may construct major drains, if MMDAs do not enforce development controls or prevent construction on waterways, our efforts will yield limited results. Similarly, if road projects do not include well-maintained drainage systems, we will continue to face recurring flooding events,” he stated.
Highlighting the need for a multi-sectoral approach—and, most importantly, to demonstrate the government’s commitment to mitigating perennial flooding—the minister revealed that the President has established a dedicated taskforce comprising all relevant agencies and stakeholders. This taskforce will develop and implement an integrated and sustainable strategy to address flooding once and for all.
“This taskforce will not only harmonize the work of various institutions but also ensure continuous monitoring, enforcement, and public education,” he added.
The sector minister also expressed grave concern about the indiscriminate dumping of solid waste into gutters and drains, as well as the practice of building on waterways—both of which continue to undermine government investments in flood control.
“No matter how much infrastructure is built, if we do not collectively change our habits, we will continue to suffer the consequences,” he cautioned.
AM/KA