Building permits and planning are supposed to be handled by assemblies — Expert

Flooding is a major issue in Ghana. A local governance expert has pointed out key problems in urban planning and environmental management.

Issaka Amon Kotei spoke on the Asaase Breakfast Show. He highlighted significant weaknesses in local assemblies' ability to manage development and environmental regulations.

"Building permits and planning should be handled by assemblies," he said. "However, many lack the capacity to assess structural drawings."

This gap allows developments to proceed without proper oversight. As a result, communities become more vulnerable to flooding and other hazards.

Kotei also mentioned the lack of authority over rivers and waterways. "We do not have any authority to manage our rivers," he explained. This regulatory failure leads to environmental degradation, worsening flooding.

Without clear responsibilities, rivers are neglected. This neglect causes blockages and overflow during heavy rains.

Another challenge is uncontrolled settlements and poor waste disposal affecting drainage systems. "When people live haphazardly, waste contaminates drains," Kotei noted.

Assemblies must spend funds repeatedly to clear and restore drains each year.