Poor drainage system blamed for Accra floods – NADMO

The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has linked severe flooding in the Greater Accra Region to poor drainage and rapid urban development. This is especially true along the Akuapem Range.

Richard Amo Yartey, NADMO’s Director of Inspectorate, stated that heavy rainfall was not the main cause. Instead, an overwhelmed and poorly maintained drainage system led to the flooding.

On Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily, Mr. Yartey explained that only 25 millimeters of rain fell. However, earlier showers and runoff from the hills worsened the situation. He noted that prior rainfall had already saturated the drainage system.

Additionally, heavy rain fell on the Akuapem Range. Construction in this area is replacing vegetation with concrete structures. This change increases surface runoff, leading to more water flowing downhill into areas with inadequate drainage.

The three-hour downpour began around 3 PM on Sunday during rush hour. It caused traffic jams and severely disrupted daily life in the capital. Areas affected include Weija, Kaneshie, Adabraka, Adentan-Dodowa, parts of Tema, and other communities.

Many roads became impassable, leaving numerous vehicles stranded in rising waters. NADMO confirmed that five lives were lost due to the floods. Over 3,000 households in Greater Accra were also affected.

In response to these events, NADMO has urged city planners and residents to follow building regulations. They recommend investing in sustainable drainage systems to prevent future disasters.