Residents renew calls for action as flooding worsens along Santasi–Ahenema Kokoben road

Residents and business owners along the Santasi–Ahenema Kokoben corridor in the Ashanti Region have intensified calls for immediate government intervention as recurring floods continue to destroy property, disrupt economic activities, and threaten lives.

The latest heavy rainfall left portions of the road and surrounding communities inundated, causing significant damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure. Residents attribute the persistent flooding to large volumes of stormwater flowing from upstream communities, compounded by clogged drains resulting from indiscriminate waste disposal and other human activities.

During a visit by the Atwima Kwanwoma District Chief Executive, Grace Agyemang Asamoah, the Chief Executive Officer of Midland Industries Ghana Limited, Michael Adubofour, recounted the history of the flooding problem and the devastating impact it has had on the area.

According to him, the first major incident occurred in 2022 when investigations revealed that a retaining wall constructed upstream had obstructed the natural flow of water, redirecting stormwater onto the road and nearby communities.

He said the resulting floods claimed about five lives, swept away vehicles, and destroyed several properties.

Mr. Adubofour noted that the disaster highlighted the need for urgent engineering solutions, including the construction of a larger drainage system capable of safely channeling excess water across the road. However, he lamented that despite assurances from officials within the Works and Housing sector, little has been done to address the problem.

He further explained that the situation has deteriorated over the years, with erosion causing the collapse of retaining walls along riverbanks and gradually eating away adjoining lands, raising fears of further infrastructural damage.

The Santasi–Ahenema Kokoben road, which serves as a boundary between the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly and the Atwima Kwanwoma District Assembly, has also suffered extensive deterioration due to the continuous flooding and uncontrolled runoff.

Residents appealed to authorities to implement a lasting solution, warning that the recurring floods continue to endanger motorists, pedestrians, businesses, and households, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.

Responding to the concerns, Madam Agyemang Asamoah acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and assured residents that the matter would receive the necessary attention.

She said she would engage the Mayor of Kumasi, relevant government agencies, and Kofi Job Construction Limited, the contractor working on the road project, to assess the extent of the problem and determine appropriate interventions.

The DCE stressed the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders, given the strategic location of the road as a boundary between two major local assemblies.

She also urged residents and motorists to exercise caution during rainfall while efforts are made to address the flooding challenge.

Residents, however, remain hopeful that the latest engagement will result in concrete action, including the construction of a modern drainage system to permanently resolve the perennial flooding problem.