Engineer and policy analyst, Michael Kosi Dedey has voiced strong concerns over the persistent flooding in parts of Accra, attributing much of the problem to the failure of property developers and homeowners to comply with building regulations.
In a recent statement, he highlighted how disregard for urban planning laws is directly contributing to the flooding challenges facing the city.
“If you have a plot of 100 by 100 feet,” Engineer Dedey explained, “the law says that you must not cover all of it.” According to him, Ghana’s building regulations clearly state that for a single-storey detached house, no more than 50% of the plot should be covered by structures or concrete. This rule is designed to allow for natural water absorption into the ground during rains.
He further elaborated, “For two- and three-storey detached buildings, the law permits only 40% coverage of the total plot.” The intention behind these regulations is to reduce surface runoff by ensuring that a significant portion of land remains unpaved, thereby allowing rainwater to soak into the earth.
However, Engineer Dedey questioned whether these laws are being upheld, particularly in affluent neighbourhoods such as East Legon, Airport Residential Area, and Cantonments.
“Let’s go to these plush areas and ask ourselves if they are complying with this law,” he said. “Many of these places have 100% of their plots paved or built upon. Where does all that runoff water go?”
He contrasted this with the treatment of low-income communities, where authorities often act swiftly against informal structures and kiosks.
“It’s easy to go after the poor and demolish their makeshift homes. But what about the people putting up massive structures on fully paved plots? Where is the same energy to enforce the law there?” he asked.
Engineer Dedey also raised concerns about the lack of enforcement and oversight by building inspectors.
“How much effort have we really put into ensuring that we have proper building inspectors in this country?” he challenged. “The laws are there. The problem is enforcement.”
Engineer and policy analyst, Michael Kosi Dedey urged authorities to prioritize fair and consistent enforcement of building regulations across all social classes.
“If we are serious about tackling flooding, then we must start by holding everyone—rich or poor—accountable to the same standards,” he concluded.
Story By Freedom Lavoe.
