The Mayor of Cape Coast, George Justice Arthur, has clarified that he cannot confirm reports circulating in sections of the media claiming that 18 people lost their lives in the recent floods that struck the municipality.
Speaking on Ahotor FM’s Adekyee Mu Nsem programme with Citizen Kofi Owusu in Accra, the Mayor stated that official information available to the Cape Coast Metropolitan Assembly confirms four deaths in affected communities. He explained that while different casualty figures may be emerging from various sources, the Assembly can only account for cases that have been officially verified.
Mr. Arthur disclosed that several people sustained injuries during the disaster, with some victims trapped in collapsed buildings following the heavy rainfall. He described the situation as heartbreaking, citing the death of a young child and other residents who were trapped beneath weakened structures.
He further revealed that at the London Bridge area, raging floodwaters swept away a mother and her child. While the mother was rescued, search efforts were still ongoing for the missing child at the time of the interview.
According to the Mayor, emergency response teams and community volunteers have been working tirelessly to assist affected families, rescue victims, and search for missing persons.
Addressing the causes of the flooding, Mr. Arthur attributed the disaster to the indiscriminate construction of buildings on waterways and drainage channels, inadequate drainage infrastructure, and the failure of some residents to secure the necessary building permits before undertaking construction projects.
He lamented that despite repeated warnings from the Assembly, many residents continue to disregard planning regulations, exposing themselves and others to significant danger.
The Mayor noted that the recurring nature of the floods is particularly worrying, recalling that similar incidents occurred last year and resulted in both loss of life and extensive property damage. He stressed the need for stricter enforcement of building regulations to prevent future tragedies.
To address the situation, the Cape Coast Metropolitan Assembly has held an emergency meeting to assess the extent of the damage and discuss immediate interventions. The Assembly is expected to intensify inspections and enforcement activities in flood-prone communities.
Mr. Arthur announced that beginning next week, the Assembly will take action against individuals and developers who have built structures on drains, waterways, and other unauthorized locations. He disclosed that six structures have already been earmarked for demolition, with more illegal structures likely to be identified following further assessments.
The Mayor emphasized that addressing the flooding challenge requires a long-term strategy, including the implementation of a comprehensive 10-year development plan, improved drainage infrastructure, strict adherence to planning regulations, and intensified public education.
He called on residents to cooperate with the Assembly’s efforts, warning that failure to act decisively could result in even greater disasters in the future.
Mr. Arthur also appealed to the central government, development partners, and other stakeholders to support the Assembly’s efforts to improve drainage systems and strengthen disaster preparedness in Cape Coast.
He extended his condolences to families who lost loved ones in the floods and assured residents that the Assembly remains committed to protecting lives and property while implementing measures to prevent a recurrence of the disaster.
Story by Stephen Kwaku Owusu Mintah