Government Efforts to Curb Flooding Thwarted by Human Activities, Says Minister Asenso-Boakye

The Minister for Works and Housing, Francis Asenso-Boakye, has expressed deep concern over the detrimental impact of human activities on the government’s ongoing efforts to combat flooding and enhance community resilience.

“Government has over the last five years, embarked on several interventions to increase the country’s resilience to flooding with financial commitment amounting to Gh450 million. Despite this huge investment, the impact of it in mitigating flood risks is seriously undermined by human activities,” he said.

During a recent visit to flood-prone communities in Accra to assess preparedness for the rainy season, Minister Asenso-Boakye observed disturbing practices such as land reclamation in lagoons and wetlands for development purposes, construction on drainage channels, and indiscriminate dumping of solid waste into drains.

Regrettably, the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies have failed to enforce appropriate planning and building regulations according to him.

Addressing Parliament on June 29, he highlighted the urgent need for citizens to support the government’s initiatives by refraining from development activities within sensitive areas like wetlands, waterways, and drainage buffers. He also stressed the importance of responsible household waste management and urged the public to avoid using drainage channels as dumping sites for refuse.

In his appeal for broader support, Asenso-Boakye called upon traditional rulers, religious and community leaders, civil society groups, and the media to unite behind the government’s flood control endeavors.

Emphasizing the severity of the situation, he stressed that collective action is essential to protect vulnerable communities and safeguard lives and properties.

The Minister’s plea serves as a timely reminder of the shared responsibility in addressing flooding challenges, urging both individuals and institutions to actively contribute to the preservation of the environment and the prevention of future flooding disasters.

Sory by Nana Kwaku Boffah