The Chief Executive Officer of Amegashie Herbal and Spiritual Centre, Samuel Amegashie, has called for a more balanced approach to addressing the perennial flooding in Accra, saying responsibility should not be placed solely on residents but also on traditional authorities and state institutions responsible for physical planning and environmental management.
Speaking in an interview following the recent floods that affected parts of the capital, Apostle Dr. Amegashie acknowledged that indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drains contributes to flooding. However, he argued that the persistent problem is largely the result of poor planning, weak enforcement of building regulations and the failure of authorities to protect drainage systems and natural waterways.
He said chiefs, physical planning authorities, environmental health officers, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), and other government agencies must also be held accountable for permitting developments on waterways and failing to enforce planning regulations.
According to him, planning authorities have a responsibility to ensure that residential and commercial developments leave adequate space for drainage systems to allow the free flow of rainwater.
Apostle Dr. Amegashie noted that many developed countries have successfully reduced flooding through strict enforcement of planning laws and sustained investment in drainage infrastructure. He lamented that in Ghana, poor supervision has allowed buildings to spring up on waterways, while many drains have become clogged with silt and refuse due to years of neglect.
He therefore called on the relevant authorities to intensify the desilting of drains, remove illegal structures obstructing waterways and strictly enforce environmental sanitation and development regulations to reduce the risk of future flooding.
The renowned herbal practitioner also urged traditional leaders to take a more active role in protecting public lands, preventing encroachment on waterways and working closely with local assemblies to ensure orderly development within their communities.
He further appealed to the public to refrain from indiscriminately dumping refuse into drains, rivers and other water bodies, describing the practice as a major contributor to blocked drainage systems and urban flooding.
