Tackling Ghana’s perennial flooding challenges

Ghana has been grappling with significant flooding over the years due to heavy rains and the overflow of major drains.

This recurrent issue has affected over 45,000 residents annually, leading to an estimated loss of $200 million. Despite various efforts by successive governments to mitigate the problem, perennial flooding continues to persist, causing widespread devastation and economic losses.

In response to this persistent challenge, the government established the Ghana Hydrological Authority (HYDRO) in 2022 through an Act of Parliament (ACT 1085).

HYDRO was tasked with focusing on flood control, coastal engineering, and other flood-related issues. The creation of this authority marked a significant step in the government’s commitment to eradicating flooding in the country.

However, since its inception, HYDRO has faced severe financial constraints, hindering its operations. The authority requires approximately $6 billion for nationwide drainage infrastructure works to mitigate flooding, but to date, only 1.5 million Ghana cedis have been allocated to the fund.

This substantial shortfall in funding has led to perception of HYDRO as a “white elephant,” unable to effectively address the pressing issue of flooding.

The persistence of flooding, despite these efforts, underscores the need for more robust and well-funded measures. Many communities remain vulnerable, with floods contributing to a housing deficit of 1.8 million units across the country.

The impact of climate change is exacerbating the situation, making it more crucial than ever to implement effective flood mitigation strategies.

Experts emphasize the importance of improved urban planning, better waste management, and enhanced community awareness as critical components of a broader flood mitigation strategy. These measures need to be integrated into a comprehensive approach to address the flooding issue effectively.

The continuous challenge of flooding in Ghana is a stark reminder of the importance of sustained and coordinated efforts across all levels of government and society.

It calls for a concerted effort to secure adequate funding, implement effective policies, and engage communities in proactive measures to mitigate the impacts of flooding.

Only through such a holistic and well-funded approach can Ghana hope to address this pressing issue and protect its citizens from the devastating effects of perennial floods.