Akosua Asaa Manu visits flood-hit communities in Adentan, calls for urgent drainage reform

The 2024 New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate for Adentan, Akosua Asaa Manu, also known as Kozie, visited flood-affected communities. The floods occurred on Saturday, May 18, 2024. They were caused by heavy rainfall and resulted in at least three deaths. Among the victims was a four-year-old girl named Hajara. The floods also damaged homes, businesses, vehicles, and public infrastructure.

On Tuesday, May 21, 2025, Kozie toured the hardest-hit areas. She wanted to express sympathy and assess the damage firsthand. She also engaged with agencies coordinating relief efforts.

“This is not just a natural disaster; it’s a wake-up call,” Kozie stated. She emphasized the need for urgent action to fix engineering failures that led to this tragedy. “The lives and livelihoods lost cannot be in vain,” she added.

Kozie's visit began in Nanakrom. There, she met families whose homes were submerged. She also visited Hajara's grieving family and offered her condolences.

“This is one of the hardest moments I’ve faced,” Kozie said emotionally. “No child should die because of poor planning and drainage.” As a mother, she felt this loss deeply and vowed to fight for necessary reforms.

In Lakeside, Kozie walked through flooded homes and shops. She spoke with affected residents and small business owners about their struggles.

At Emills Bakery, owner Madam Linda shared her story of loss. The floodwaters ruined her equipment and stock but appreciated Kozie's visit as a sign of hope.

“The floods nearly wiped out everything I’ve worked for,” Linda said. “Madam Kozie’s visit shows that someone cares.”

During her visit, Kozie met with the NADMO district officer. He assured her that they are implementing a project called “Free Waterways.” This initiative aims to clear blocked drains to prevent future flooding.

Kozie praised this effort but stressed the need for more comprehensive solutions. “Relief items are important,” she said, “but we need to rethink our drainage systems.”

She emphasized that disasters should not be treated as one-off events but rather as opportunities to build resilience.

Despite the devastation around them, Kozie's presence uplifted spirits in affected communities. She assured residents of her ongoing advocacy and support.

“This is my home too,” she declared. “I will keep coming back and fighting for lasting change.”

Residents like Nana Ama expressed gratitude for her support after losing valuables in the floods.

“It’s not just politics,” Nana Ama said. “Madam Kozie walked with us through the wreckage.”

Last year, Kozie funded some drainage construction in Lakeside herself. Residents acknowledged that without her help, flood damage would have been worse.

Many locals blamed poor engineering decisions for the flooding issues they faced today. They pointed out problems like channelling multiple drains into one outlet.

Some accused road contractors of abandoning drainage projects midway without considering runoff from higher elevations like Oyarifa and Katamanso.

Kozie urged collaboration among local authorities on an urgent drainage improvement plan—especially in fast-developing areas like Nanakrom and Lakeside.