The Odaw River, notorious for its role in Accra’s perennial flooding, presented an unusual sight after recent torrential rains: calm. For years, residents have braced for disaster whenever the skies darken, but this time, the river, subject of ongoing Odaw River dredging efforts, largely held its banks. This intervention is part of the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development Project (GARID), a government initiative aimed at mitigating the city’s flooding crisis.

The Odaw River dredging project offers immediate relief, but doubts linger among residents about its long-term effectiveness and environmental impact. The heart of the matter lies in the disposal methods employed, raising questions about the sustainability of current strategies and the pressing need for more comprehensive solutions to achieve lasting flood mitigation in Accra.

Initial Success and Growing Skepticism

The immediate aftermath of the rains brought a wave of relief, with many residents acknowledging the visible impact of the dredging on flood control. However, this initial optimism is gradually giving way to skepticism as concerns mount over the project’s long-term viability. A key worry centers on the disposal of dredged silt and waste along the river’s edge, an issue triggering considerable anxiety among nearby communities.

“They should know we’re in the rainy season. Waiting till the sand dries before collecting it is not ideal. Everything will just go back into the drain. It’s all a waste of time,” lamented a resident living close to the Odaw. A shoe vendor echoed these concerns, stating, “Dredging is good, but how sustainable is this method of theirs? All the filth and sand desilted will go back into the lagoon.” These sentiments underscore a broader apprehension about whether the GARID project, in its current form, can truly deliver lasting resilience.

GARID and Uneven Progress

The Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development Project (GARID) encompasses various components, including drain expansion in Kaneshie and channel reconstruction from Nima-Paloma, all aimed at enhancing Accra’s flood resilience. However, progress has been uneven, with some communities within the Korle Klottey Municipality reporting no dredging activity whatsoever.

This disparity was brought into sharp focus when communities downstream of the Odaw in Korle Klottey experienced flooding after the recent rains, despite the ongoing dredging efforts elsewhere. While no lives were lost, the floods caused significant property damage, highlighting the limitations of the current approach. The Municipal Chief Executive for Korle Klottey, Hon. Allotey Gaisie, expressed his commitment to securing funding for a permanent solution, stating, “We’ve had this challenge over the years. As an Assembly, we want to fix the problem—not walk in here every time to sympathize and hand out relief. It’s time to look at the drainage system and do something about it. We’ve decided to fix this once and for all.”

GARID Project Coordinator, Dr. Ohene Sarfo, acknowledged the ongoing flood control interventions during a press briefing on April 13, 2025. Minister for Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, also admitted that the project’s pace has been slower than anticipated, further fueling concerns about its overall effectiveness.

Towards Sustainable Solutions

The focus must now shift towards sustainable, forward-thinking approaches to flood mitigation in Accra. A critical element of this transition is meaningful community engagement in the planning and implementation of flood control measures. Solutions need to address the root causes of the problem and foster a sense of ownership among the residents most affected.

Improved waste management practices are paramount, alongside more effective silt removal strategies that prevent re-deposition into the river. Community involvement in monitoring and maintenance can also play a vital role in ensuring the long-term success of these efforts. Exploring the integration of green infrastructure, such as wetlands and green roofs, could further enhance flood resilience and create a more sustainable urban environment.

The Odaw River dredging offers a temporary reprieve, but the concerns surrounding its sustainability underscore the urgent need for more comprehensive and forward-thinking solutions. A community-engaged approach to sustainable flood mitigation is essential to building a resilient Accra that can withstand the challenges of future heavy rains. The time for action is now, before the next storm arrives.