The Ranking Member on Parliament’s Roads and Transport Committee and Member of Parliament for Bantama, Francis Asenso-Boakye, has called for sustained investment and collective action to address Ghana’s persistent flooding challenges.
According to him, flooding remains one of the country’s most recurring problems, causing widespread destruction to lives, properties and businesses whenever heavy rains occur.
Asenso-Boakye identified outdated and inadequate drainage infrastructure, weak enforcement of development control regulations, and poor waste disposal practices as the major causes of flooding across the country.
He explained that many drainage systems are no longer capable of handling rapid urbanisation and increasing rainfall intensity, while unauthorised developments in waterways and flood-prone areas continue to worsen the situation.
He also noted that indiscriminate dumping of refuse often blocks drains and prevents the free flow of stormwater.
The Bantama MP stressed that tackling flooding requires a comprehensive approach that combines infrastructure development, strict enforcement of planning regulations and responsible citizen behaviour.
Highlighting efforts under the previous Akufo-Addo administration, Mr. Asenso-Boakye said more than GH¢540 million was invested through the National Flood Control Programme to support flood mitigation interventions across the country.
However, he maintained that additional measures are needed to achieve lasting results.
To ensure sustainable financing for drainage projects, he proposed the establishment of a dedicated Drainage Fund to be financed through a portion of the Road Maintenance Fund.
The proposed fund, he said, would support the construction, expansion, rehabilitation and maintenance of drainage infrastructure nationwide.
Asenso-Boakye further underscored the close relationship between drainage systems and road infrastructure, noting that poor drainage often accelerates road deterioration and leads to costly repairs.
“Protecting our drainage infrastructure is also a way of protecting our roads and safeguarding public investment,” he stated.
He urged Ghanaians to view flooding as a national challenge rather than a political issue, emphasising that effective solutions will require collaboration between government, local authorities and citizens.
“Flooding should never be politicised. It is a national challenge that demands a national response if we are to build safer and more resilient communities,” he said.
