Parliamentary Committee lauds Dredge Masters for Accra flood control efforts

Dredge Masters Limited, a subsidiary of Jopsong Group, is receiving praise from the Parliamentary Select Committee on Works and Housing. They are currently working on dredging the Odaw River and Korle Lagoon in Accra.

During a field inspection on May 6, 2025, Committee Chairperson Vincent Asamoah Oppong expressed satisfaction with their progress. He noted that the ongoing dredging works were impressive. This inspection aimed to monitor flood control measures ahead of expected heavy rains in Accra.

Oppong urged Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to act quickly against flooding. He emphasized that sanitation must be prioritized and encroachers relocated. “We cannot afford to be reactive,” he stated. Proactive measures are essential to save lives and reduce economic losses.

He highlighted the importance of law enforcement in addressing flooding causes. Local assemblies play a key role in managing sanitation and encroachment issues. Although Ghana has good environmental laws, enforcement remains a challenge.

Oppong pointed out an operational issue affecting dredging efforts. The sand and silt removed from canals are being deposited on banks. If these areas remain occupied, materials could wash back into drains during rains. This would undermine the purpose of dredging.

Committee member Mr. Martin Kwaku Adjei-Mensah Korsah also raised concerns about encroachment along waterways. He noted that illegal buildings in flood-prone zones pose dangers to lives. Floods lead to significant state spending on relief instead of essential services like schools or hospitals.

Korsah called for strict enforcement of planning regulations by city authorities. During their tour, the Committee observed silt being temporarily stored along banks for evacuation. However, encroachers threaten this area, risking silt washing back into drains during heavy rains.

The Committee stressed that immediate action is necessary to prevent wasted efforts and investments in dredging projects. Honorable Asamoah Oppong reiterated the need for quick measures from MMDCEs.

Earlier, Ing. Samuel Borquaye, Deputy Managing Director of Dredge Masters Limited (DML), explained their maintenance work in the Odaw River. They started at Caprice and have reached Circle before moving toward Korle Lagoon.

Borquaye stated that desilting channels is crucial to prevent flooding this rainy season due to forecasted heavy downpours. He mentioned challenges like residents dumping refuse along waterways complicating dredging efforts.

He urged a change in attitudes towards waste disposal for better results. Borquaye also shared his vision for transforming the area into a tourist-friendly zone with proper planning and investment.

By completing the dredging project, they hope to significantly reduce flood risks and protect lives and property.