Ghana’s flood deaths will not be solved by deploying divers, according to safety expert Edward Debrah. He states that authorities must instead tackle illegal building. At least 14 flood-related drowning deaths have been recorded in recent weeks.
Mr. Debrah, a health and safety professional, urged authorities to address the root causes of flooding. He spoke on Joy FM’s Midday News. He described deploying divers in flood-prone communities as a temporary fix. These measures fail to address the core factors causing annual loss of life during floods.
This issue fits into Ghana's broader challenge of rapid urbanization and weak enforcement of building regulations. Many informal settlements emerge in flood-prone areas. This increases the vulnerability of thousands of citizens. Accra and other major cities frequently suffer severe flooding during rainy seasons, causing significant economic damage. The government has spent billions of GHS over the years on flood mitigation efforts, but the problem persists.
"The root causes, in my view, are building on waterways and on unapproved places," Mr. Debrah stressed. "Let's solve that problem first before we begin to think about swimming." He questioned why buildings continue to appear on waterways despite existing regulations. He also highlighted repeated warnings about the consequences.
The government must now strengthen its resolve to implement urban planning laws. This will require dismantling illegally constructed buildings and preventing new ones. Decision-makers must also prioritize routine desilting of drains and sustained public education. This will shift towards proactive prevention rather than reactive disaster response. Such actions could save lives and reduce the economic burden of chronic flooding.
Mr. Debrah maintained that reducing flood-related deaths requires long-term planning. It also needs strict adherence to building regulations. Decisive action against illegal developments is crucial. He described current responses as “knee-jerk responses” introduced after disasters occur. He called for stricter enforcement of existing building regulations nationwide. He also advocated routine desilting of drains and gutters. Finally, he stressed the need for sustained public education on flood prevention. This holistic approach would address the issue more effectively.