The Head of Drains at the Ghana Hydrological Authority, Richard Kofi Amekor, has underscored the urgent need for a national commitment to better maintenance practices, particularly in the management of drainage systems, as a critical step in tackling Ghana’s recurring flooding problems.
His comments come in the aftermath of widespread flooding across parts of the country following heavy rains on Sunday, May 18.
Speaking on Citi Eyewitness News on Monday, May 19, Mr. Amekor emphasized that the country’s persistent neglect of basic maintenance tasks, such as clearing drains and sweeping roads, continues to increase its vulnerability during the rainy season.
“It is about time as a nation we take a very critical look at our maintenance culture,” he said. “We need to clean our drains. Elsewhere, you see people sweeping the roads, but we don’t do it.
“When you are driving, you see a lot of sand gathered at the edges of the roads. So what happens? When it rains, it pushes all these into the drains, and now the water doesn’t have anywhere to go,” he added.
Mr. Amekor’s call renews attention on the country’s inadequate flood preparedness and the need for proactive maintenance to protect lives and property during the rainy season.
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