Ghana and many of its institutions have failed to adequately enforce existing laws and implement effective planning policies aimed at preventing flooding in urban and rural communities, according to Dr. Stephen Appiah Takyi, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Planning, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
Speaking on Adekyee Mu Nsem, a morning show on Ahotor 92.3 FM hosted by Alexander Nanan Dogbey in Accra, Dr. Appiah Takyi stated that the perennial flooding experienced across the country during the rainy season can only be addressed through strict enforcement of planning regulations and the adoption of sound urban development practices.
He explained that critical infrastructure such as markets, schools, factories, hospitals, and residential buildings should be planned and constructed in ways that allow the free flow of water and prevent obstruction of natural drainage systems.
“It is unfortunate that in major urban centres such as Accra and Kumasi, large areas have been heavily concretised without adequate planning for drainage and water retention,” he said. “Many people continue to ignore planning regulations by building on waterways and flood-prone areas, which contributes significantly to the seasonal flooding we experience every year.”
Dr. Appiah Takyi stressed that the country’s inability to properly manage land use and enforce planning laws has made it difficult to find a lasting solution to the flood problem. He called on landowners, developers, and planning authorities to ensure that all land transactions and construction projects comply with established planning policies and regulations.
According to him, stronger collaboration between landowners, planning institutions, and local authorities is necessary to prevent unplanned developments and ensure the smooth flow of water during the rainy season.
Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has directed the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) Flood Taskforce and other relevant state agencies to prepare a comprehensive presentation on Ghana’s flooding situation following recent flooding incidents across several parts of the country, particularly in Accra.
The President said the presentation would help the government identify critical flood-prone areas, including restricted waterways, and guide both immediate and long-term interventions to address the recurring challenge.
His remarks come amid widespread flooding in several communities, with Accra among the hardest-hit areas following heavy and prolonged rainfall.
President Mahama noted that this year’s rains, which began in May and have continued into June, have been more intense than in previous years, resulting in significant disruptions and damage in affected communities.
He also expressed concern about human activities that contribute to flooding, particularly the construction of buildings on waterways and in vulnerable locations. Questioning how some of these developments obtained official approval, he called for greater accountability in physical planning and development control.
“But some of the houses have building permits. How did they get them? So we have to do some soul-searching,” the President stated.
He stressed the need for authorities to take firmer action against encroachment on waterways and flood-prone lands.
President Mahama further urged state institutions to move beyond routine responses to flooding, warning against a cycle of inaction until disasters occur.
“We shouldn’t be like the vulture who says he will repair his roof when the rain stops,” he said, emphasizing the need for sustained corrective measures rather than temporary solutions.
The President directed NADMO and other relevant agencies to collaborate in mapping all restricted waterways across the country and implementing corrective measures once assessments are completed.
He also underscored the importance of public education on flooding and environmental management, calling on the Government Communications Department and other institutions to intensify awareness campaigns.
According to President Mahama, a combination of strict enforcement of planning laws, public education, and improved infrastructure planning will be critical to reducing flood risks and preventing future disasters.