The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has attributed recent severe flooding in the Tema West Municipality to improper waste disposal, unauthorized construction along waterways, and illegal development in protected zones. Kwaku Adjei Baah, Head of the Hydrometeorological and Geological Unit at NADMO, disclosed that about 99% of structures blocking watercourses lacked proper town planning permits. These unauthorized constructions triggered extensive property damage and displaced residents, submerging hundreds of homes.
Mr. Baah specifically highlighted building directly in natural water channels as the main cause of the flooding crisis. The Church Village area in Community 5, for instance, was originally a buffer zone for stormwater. Illegal development in this area led to its heavy flooding. Other heavily affected areas include Communities 16 to 20, Community 19 Annex, Community 22, Lashibi, Klagon, Borteyman, and Adjei Kojo. Low-lying structures near the lagoon in Sakumono Village were also severely impacted.
This issue reflects a broader challenge in Ghana regarding urban planning and environmental protection. Rapid urbanization often outpaces regulatory enforcement, leading to informal settlements in flood-prone areas. The continuous sale of vulnerable lands, including within the protected Sakumono Ramsar Site, by some local chiefs further exacerbates this problem. Such activities undermine efforts to mitigate disaster risks and protect vital ecosystems.
Mr. Baah also linked the worsening floods to poor sanitation. Clogged drains, filled with refuse, silt, and sand, cannot effectively channel heavy rainfall. He expressed concern about ongoing development within the Sakumono Ramsar Site, a protected ecological wetland. "Because people had built houses there, the entire area has been heavily flooded," Mr. Baah told the Ghana News Agency (GNA).
Local authorities demolished some illegal structures last month. They are preparing another demolition exercise to remove remaining buildings obstructing water flow. This year's April-to-June rainy season has already recorded higher rainfall than last year, with even heavier downpours expected. Residents in low-lying, high-risk areas are urged to comply with warnings and relocate to safer, elevated locations to prevent further loss of property and life.
The financial implications of these floods are substantial. They cause direct economic losses from damaged homes and businesses. They also create indirect costs through disrupted livelihoods and increased healthcare needs. The Ghana Institution of Engineers (GhIE) regularly warns that Ghana must rethink its drainage systems to avoid worsening floods. The recurring nature of these events underscores the urgent need for stricter adherence to building codes and land use regulations. This will protect Ghana's urban infrastructure and ensure the safety of its citizens.