The muddy waters surged through Accra on Sunday, leaving a trail of devastation and disrupted lives in their wake. While the torrential rains were undoubtedly a major factor, the underlying cause of the severity of the Accra floods points to a critical issue: waterway encroachment. The Ghana Hydrological Authority has identified the proliferation of illegal structures obstructing natural drainage systems as a primary culprit, exacerbating the impact of heavy rainfall on the city.

Following the floods, the Ghana Hydrological Authority conducted a thorough assessment of the affected areas. Their findings underscored the significant role of illegal buildings erected on waterways and wetlands. Richard Amekor, Director of Drains at the Authority, stated plainly: “What we picked out on the ground has to do with a lot of illegal buildings on our waterways…” These unapproved constructions, he explained, act as barriers, preventing the natural flow of water and intensifying the risk of flooding.

Mr. Amekor emphasized the urgent need to address this issue, particularly as the rainy season reaches its peak. The implications are clear: without immediate action to remove these obstructions, Accra faces the potential for even more catastrophic flooding events.

The problem of structures obstructing waterways isn’t new. President John Mahama had previously addressed the issue, making clear the government’s intent to remove such obstructions. According to Mr. Amekor, referencing President Mahama: “If you could recall, the President in his speech said that those people living close to our drains, their structures are going to be pulled down to allow water to flow when it rains.” The enforcement of this directive, however, faces numerous challenges, including potential resistance from affected residents and legal complexities. Balancing public safety with the rights of residents remains a delicate, but necessary, task.

The Ghana Hydrological Authority has also issued strong advice to residents living in flood-prone areas, urging them to vacate and relocate to safer locations. This advice stems from the simple, yet stark, reality that these areas are inherently dangerous during heavy rains. As Mr. Amekor bluntly put it: “They need to leave those places; they are not supposed to be there.” A particularly concerning example is the Weija Estuary, where construction is actively taking place within the waterway itself. Such development, Mr. Amekor warns, is a recipe for disaster: “For example, in Weija, people are building in the estuary, which is wrong. If they are there and it rains, where will the water go? It will go into their homes, and this is the challenge we are having.”

“So what I am saying is that it is about time we control our development,” Mr. Amekor urges, emphasizing the critical need for better development control to prevent future waterway encroachment. Stricter enforcement of building regulations and responsible land-use planning are essential steps in mitigating the risk of future Accra floods.

To effectively prevent future floods, a multi-pronged approach is required. This includes stricter enforcement of building codes, ensuring that all construction projects adhere to regulations and that illegal structures are promptly removed. Increased investment in drainage infrastructure is also crucial, with regular cleaning and desilting of drains to maintain proper water flow. Finally, public awareness campaigns are needed to educate residents about the dangers of waterway encroachment and promote responsible development practices.

The recent Accra floods serve as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of waterway encroachment. The Ghana Hydrological Authority’s assessment clearly points to illegal structures obstructing drainage paths as a major contributing factor. Addressing this issue requires urgent action, including stricter enforcement of building codes, investment in drainage infrastructure, and public awareness campaigns. By working together, residents, city planners, and government officials can help prevent future disasters and promote sustainable development in Accra.