Ghana Institution of Engineers (GhIE) President, Ing. Ludwig Annang Hesse, states that Accra’s worsening flood situation can now only be addressed through “upstream treatment” measures. This approach focuses on managing rainwater where it falls, rather than downstream. He made these remarks in an interview on Thursday, June 4.
Ing. Hesse squarely blames years of uncontrolled development, poor waste disposal, and the destruction of natural water retention areas for the city's recurring floods. He highlighted that drainage channels across the capital are heavily clogged with silt, rubbish, and plastic waste. This reduces their ability to carry stormwater away from residential and commercial areas.
This shift in strategy reflects a growing recognition of the economic costs associated with urban flooding in Ghana. Floods routinely disrupt business activities, damage infrastructure, and displace thousands of residents, costing the economy millions of GHS annually. For instance, major floods in 2014 and 2015 caused significant economic losses and highlighted the inadequacy of existing drainage systems.
“All the water retention areas in Accra have been compromised. So, we’ve brought this on ourselves,” Ing. Hesse stated. He explained that previous flood control efforts, largely focused on expanding drains, have consistently failed. These "downstream solutions" proved ineffective as wetlands and natural overflow zones continue to disappear.
Looking ahead, Ing. Hesse proposes that every new building site must incorporate water retention areas on its property. This measure would reduce the amount of runoff entering the public drainage network. He also encourages owners of existing buildings to retrofit their homes with systems to temporarily store rainwater. This is identified as the most difficult but necessary option remaining.
The move towards upstream treatment implies a significant change in urban planning and construction regulations. It would require substantial public awareness campaigns and enforcement mechanisms. Hydrological and hydraulic engineers will need to conduct detailed studies and modelling. This will determine the scale and timeline for implementing such comprehensive interventions across the city. This data-driven approach is crucial for effective flood mitigation.
Such interventions could significantly reduce flood-related damage and disruption, protecting GHS 100s of millions in property and infrastructure. Implementing these changes will demand strong cooperation between government agencies, developers, and property owners. The long-term economic benefits would far outweigh the initial investment, providing greater stability for businesses and residents alike. This strategy aims to build more resilient urban infrastructure against increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.