Move beyond reactive responses, take immediate measures to address perennial floods — UTAG urges government

The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has called on government to move beyond reactionary measures and implement decisive, long-term interventions to address the recurring flooding in Accra and other parts of the country.

The call comes after heavy rains on Monday, June 29, led to flooding in several communities, resulting in loss of lives, displacement of residents and damage to property, particularly in the capital.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, June 30, and signed by its National President, Prof. Vera O. Fiador, UTAG described the persistent flooding as a national failure that requires urgent and coordinated action rather than temporary responses.

"The recurrence of floods in Ghana, particularly in urban centres, is no longer a seasonal inconvenience to be managed with routine statements and temporary interventions. It is a grave national failure of planning, enforcement, environmental governance, and infrastructure management," the Association said.

UTAG urged government to adopt a comprehensive national flood mitigation strategy backed by strong political will, institutional accountability and measurable implementation.

According to the Association, such a strategy should include the strict enforcement of planning regulations, the desilting, redesign and expansion of drainage systems, restoration of wetlands, removal of structures obstructing waterways and increased investment in resilient urban infrastructure.

It also called for greater accountability among public institutions responsible for land use planning, building approvals and drainage management, expressing concern over the continued development of structures in waterways and flood-prone areas.

"Ghana must not continue to normalize avoidable disasters. A nation that repeatedly watches its people suffer from the same preventable crisis cannot claim to be acting with the seriousness the moment demands," the statement added.

UTAG further reminded individuals, landlords, estate developers and other stakeholders to comply with planning regulations and environmental protection requirements.