Residents of Santasi-Ahenema Kokoben call for urgent storm drain to address recurring flooding

Residents and business operators along the Santasi–Ahenema Kokoben road have renewed calls for urgent government intervention to address persistent flooding that continues to threaten lives, destroy property, and damage critical infrastructure in the area.

The latest flooding incident, triggered by heavy rainfall, submerged sections of the road and adjoining communities, causing extensive damage to homes, businesses, and other properties. Residents attribute the recurring floods to large volumes of stormwater flowing from upstream areas, compounded by choked drainage channels resulting from human activities.

Speaking during a visit by the Atwima Kwanwoma District Chief Executive (DCE), Hon. Grace Agyemang Asamoah, the Chief Executive Officer of Midland Industries Ghana Limited, Mr. Michael Adubofour, recounted the history of the flooding challenge.

According to him, the first major flooding incident occurred in 2022 after investigations revealed that a retaining wall had been constructed upstream, obstructing the natural flow of water. The blockage diverted massive volumes of stormwater onto the road and nearby communities, resulting in a devastating flood that reportedly claimed about five lives, swept away vehicles, and destroyed several properties.

Mr. Adubofour said the incident underscored the urgent need for the construction of a larger storm drainage system capable of safely channeling excess water across the road to the downstream side.

He explained that the Santasi–Ahenema Kokoben road, which serves as a boundary between the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly and the Atwima Kwanwoma District Assembly, is deteriorating rapidly due to annual flooding and erosion caused by uncontrolled runoff.

According to him, following the 2022 disaster, officials from the Works and Housing sector in Kumasi assured residents that discussions would be held with relevant agencies to construct an additional bridge and a storm drain capable of handling the increasing volume of water. However, he noted that no significant intervention has been undertaken since then, leaving residents vulnerable during every rainy season.

Mr. Adubofour further indicated that the situation has been worsened by the collapse of retaining walls along riverbanks. He said large portions of adjoining land continue to be washed away by erosion, raising fears of further infrastructure failures if immediate action is not taken.

Residents who interacted with the DCE appealed for swift intervention to avert future disasters. They stressed that the recurring floods pose a serious threat to motorists, pedestrians, businesses, and households, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.

Responding to the concerns, Hon. Agyemang Asamoah said the issue had only recently come to her attention and assured residents that it would receive the necessary attention. She urged residents and workers of Midland Industries Ghana Limited to remain calm while efforts are made to find a lasting solution.

The DCE disclosed that she would engage the Mayor of Kumasi, relevant state agencies, and Kofi Job Construction Limited, the contractor handling ongoing road works in the area, to assess the situation and determine the most appropriate engineering interventions.

She emphasized the need for collaboration among all stakeholders, noting the strategic importance of the area as a boundary between two major local assemblies.

Hon. Agyemang Asamoah also advised residents and road users to exercise extreme caution during rainfall to avoid any unfortunate incidents while authorities work towards resolving the challenge.

Meanwhile, residents remain hopeful that the latest engagement will result in concrete action, including the construction of a modern storm drainage system and other flood control measures to protect lives, safeguard investments, and preserve the integrity of one of the area's most important road networks.