The government says it will intensify drainage improvement works and strengthen enforcement against illegal structures along waterways following widespread flooding triggered by days of heavy rains across Accra, Tema and surrounding communities.
The flooding has disrupted transport networks, damaged infrastructure and slowed economic activity, exposing long-standing weaknesses in drainage systems and urban planning as major roads were submerged and commuters faced significant delays.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources, government said it is taking immediate steps to clear blocked drains, desilt major waterways and remove structures obstructing the natural flow of stormwater.
The Ministry said enforcement operations already underway with Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies will be expanded and sustained to protect drainage channels, wetlands and flood-prone areas from encroachment.
“The Ministry will continue to work with all relevant authorities to intensify and sustain these enforcement efforts, particularly in protecting waterways and preserving natural drainage systems.”
It added that these interventions form part of both emergency response measures and longer-term reforms aimed at reducing the country’s vulnerability to increasingly frequent flooding events.
As part of the recovery plan, the government says it will carry out extensive desilting and excavation of major drainage channels, while constructing new drainage systems aligned with natural water pathways to improve stormwater flow and reduce overflow during heavy rains.
Officials also indicated that broader reforms are underway, including the expansion and rehabilitation of drainage infrastructure, restoration of wetlands and lagoons, and tighter enforcement of development controls in flood-prone areas.
“Over the past few weeks, the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council in collaboration with MMDAs has undertaken extensive enforcement operations across the city to address activities that contribute to flooding.”
The Ministry stressed that addressing flooding requires not only engineering works but also strict compliance with planning and environmental regulations, warning that human activities such as construction on waterways, illegal waste disposal and encroachment on wetlands continue to worsen the problem.
“Addressing this persistent challenge requires shared responsibility among public institutions, local authorities, traditional leaders, businesses, and all citizens.”
The government urged residents to support ongoing efforts by refraining from dumping waste into drains and avoiding construction on waterways, while assuring that enforcement actions will be sustained alongside infrastructure upgrades to build long-term resilience.
