Ghana's Flood Mitigation Task Force has commenced a phased dredging, desilting, and demolition exercise across various locations in Accra. This significant operation targets illegal structures built along waterways and aims to restore the natural flow of water, preventing future flood disasters in the capital.
The task force, led by Deputy Chief of Staff Stan Xoese Dogbe and Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources Kenneth Adjei, began by removing properties along water channels. They also addressed poorly engineered bridges and started dredging silted dams. The initial phase focused on areas including New England, behind Airport Hills and Mayfair Garden Estates, the Tesa Dam in East Legon, and Oyarifa.
This initiative is a direct response to years of severe flooding that has plagued Accra, causing significant economic disruption and loss of property. Encroachment on waterways, indiscriminate dumping of waste, and unauthorized construction have severely reduced the capacity of the city's drainage systems. The government aims to mitigate these recurring issues through this comprehensive intervention.
Brigadier General Forster Okae-Yeboah, Coordinator of the Flood Mitigation Task Force, explained the urgency of the situation. He stated, "The problem is that because people have built in this area, the channel has been narrowed. Water is therefore not able to flow freely to the holding area downstream, where it is supposed to be collected." This obstruction causes water to back up, leading to widespread flooding in surrounding communities.
The exercise at the Tesa Dam, a critical flood retention basin, involved demolishing structures built along its banks. These encroachments had narrowed the natural waterway, while plastic waste and other debris caused heavy siltation. Restoring the dam's storage capacity and improving water flow is crucial for protecting areas like the Motorway and East Legon.
Before demolition, residents affected by the exercise were given the opportunity to remove their belongings. Lieutenant Colonel Frank Osei Amponsah of the 48 Engineer Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces addressed residents, explaining the operation's purpose to restore waterways and mitigate flooding. This approach aims to ensure cooperation while enforcing necessary measures.
Minister Kenneth Gilbert Adjei confirmed that President John Mahama has directed this to be an ongoing, continuous exercise. He stated, "The President has directed that this should be an ongoing exercise. So, you are not just seeing us here today and that will be the end of it." This commitment ensures year-round dredging and monitoring to prevent future encroachments and maintain clear drainage channels.
The Tesa Dam operation followed similar enforcement actions in Oyarifa and around the Mayfair Gardens. In Oyarifa, a developer had built apartments directly over a natural waterway, obstructing its flow. Around Mayfair Estates, a concrete-reinforced bridge had similarly blocked a natural watercourse. These obstructions were removed to restore natural drainage.
The task force plans to clear debris, dredge affected areas, and create buffer zones where building will be prohibited. Assemblies will monitor these areas to prevent future encroachment. This long-term strategy is essential for safeguarding Accra's infrastructure and economy from the devastating effects of floods.
The economic implications of unchecked flooding are substantial, including damage to property, disruption of commerce, and increased public health risks. By investing in flood mitigation, the government aims to protect livelihoods and ensure the city's economic stability. This proactive measure is expected to yield significant long-term benefits for Accra's residents and businesses.