The flood situation across parts of Ghana has worsened following days of continuous heavy rainfall, leaving several communities submerged, homes destroyed, and residents stranded. The crisis has renewed concerns over poor urban planning, environmental degradation, and widespread encroachment on rivers, streams, and natural waterways.
The Wenchiki Paramount Chief, Alhaji Chief Abubakari Awuffour, has sounded a strong warning over the growing menace, stressing that the indiscriminate construction of buildings on waterways is a major cause of the country’s recurring floods. He described the situation as alarming and called for immediate action to prevent further disasters.
Speaking in an interview with the Daily Times Newspaper, the traditional ruler urged Ghanaians to protect rivers, streams, wetlands, and natural drainage channels from encroachment. He noted that the destruction of these natural watercourses continues to expose thousands of lives and properties to danger whenever heavy rains occur.
He cautioned residents against building on waterways for personal gain, warning that such actions would eventually lead to devastating consequences. According to him, “You may build in the waterways today, but tomorrow you will suffer the consequences when the rains come.”
Alhaji Chief Abubakari Awuffour further observed that many flood-prone communities could have been spared the annual destruction if planning regulations and building laws had been strictly enforced. He expressed concern over the persistent disregard for development control measures in both urban and rural areas.
In many affected communities, floodwaters swept through homes, markets, schools, and business centres, forcing residents to flee for safety. Several families have been displaced, while properties worth thousands of cedis have either been damaged or completely destroyed.
Some victims described the floods as one of the worst they had experienced in recent years, saying they had little or no time to rescue their belongings before their homes were inundated. Others appealed to government agencies, corporate institutions, and humanitarian organisations to provide urgent relief items and temporary shelter.
Environmental experts have also attributed the worsening floods to poor drainage systems, choked gutters, indiscriminate dumping of refuse, rapid urbanisation, and the destruction of wetlands. They warned that unless sustainable environmental management practices are adopted, Ghana will continue to experience devastating floods during every rainy season.
The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has commenced assessments in the affected communities to facilitate emergency assistance for victims. Officials have advised residents living in low-lying and flood-prone areas to relocate to safer places as the rains are expected to continue.
Reiterating his appeal, the Wenchiki Paramount Chief urged government, local authorities, traditional leaders, and citizens to work together to safeguard the country’s rivers and streams. He maintained that protecting waterways is not merely an environmental responsibility but a national duty essential for safeguarding lives, protecting property, and ensuring the sustainable development of Ghana.
