‘No Discipline, No Solution’: Vanderpuye Blasts Weak Enforcement Behind Accra’s Flood Woes

Former Chief Executive of the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP), Nii Lante Vanderpuye, says Accra’s flooding crisis will remain a recurring national disaster unless Ghana enforces its laws with discipline, integrity and zero tolerance for indiscipline and corruption.

Speaking on The Big Issue on Channel One TV on Saturday, July 4, Vanderpuye said Ghana already has adequate by‑laws and regulatory frameworks to guide development and environmental management, but weak enforcement, political interference and public indiscipline continue to undermine efforts to tackle flooding.

His comments follow the June 29 downpour, which submerged homes and businesses, crippled vehicular movement and rendered major roads impassable — once again exposing Accra’s long‑standing vulnerability to intense rainfall.

Vanderpuye stressed that both state actors and citizens share responsibility for enforcing rules designed to prevent chaotic development and environmental degradation.

“If you ask me what we need to do to resolve this problem, I will say first and foremost, discipline. People in authority, state actors, and citizens all have a role to play. We cannot continue doing things the same way and expect different results,” he said.

He argued that enforcement of planning regulations is frequently weakened by corrupt practices and undue influence, allowing individuals to violate building codes and develop in restricted or unsuitable areas — worsening the impact of floods.

Vanderpuye warned that when public officials compromise standards for personal gain or external pressure, entire communities pay the price, especially during heavy rainfall.

“We should avoid a situation where somebody thinks they can pay money and do whatever they want. At the end of it all, we all suffer the consequences,” he stated.

He called for stronger public awareness and responsibility, urging citizens to respect existing by‑laws and support efforts to protect drainage systems and waterways from encroachment and misuse.

While acknowledging the importance of infrastructure development, Vanderpuye maintained that sustainable flood control depends largely on discipline, accountability and consistent application of rules, alongside eliminating corruption within the system.