Portia Nana Akua Pinamang Presses Assemblies on Ghana's Flood Crisis Control

Youth advocate Portia Nana Akua Pinamang has called for greater accountability from Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies in addressing the persistent flooding that continues to affect communities across Ghana. According to her, the annual destruction caused by floods is no longer merely the result of heavy rainfall but is largely driven by poor planning, weak enforcement of regulations, and the unchecked encroachment on waterways and drainage channels.

She noted that the construction of buildings on waterways and natural drainage paths remains one of the major causes of flooding in many communities. Such developments, she explained, obstruct the natural flow of water, causing it to overflow into homes, businesses, schools, and public spaces whenever there is heavy rainfall.

Portia Nana Akua Pinamang also expressed concern over the poor state of drainage systems across the country, pointing out that many gutters remain clogged with refuse, silt, and illegal structures. She argued that the failure to regularly desilt drains and enforce sanitation regulations has significantly worsened flooding and exposed residents to property loss, health risks, and displacement.

The youth advocate believes local Assemblies must be held responsible because they are mandated to regulate land use, approve building permits, enforce zoning laws, and protect flood-prone areas. In her view, the continued approval of developments in inappropriate locations and the failure to act against illegal structures have contributed directly to the recurring flooding crisis.

As part of the solution, she is advocating the removal of all structures that obstruct major waterways and drainage channels. While acknowledging that such measures may be difficult and unpopular, she maintains that restoring natural watercourses is essential to preventing future disasters and protecting lives and property.

She further called for proper land surveys before construction approvals, regular maintenance of drains, strict enforcement against illegal developments and indiscriminate waste disposal, as well as greater transparency in the use of public funds. She emphasized that citizens also have a responsibility to protect the environment by avoiding practices that contribute to flooding.

Portia Nana Akua Pinamang stressed that the time has come for decisive action and leadership. She urged local authorities to move beyond excuses and implement lasting solutions that will protect communities from the devastating effects of annual floods, noting that the safety and future of many Ghanaians depend on the decisions taken today.

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