The Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, and the Ga Traditional Council have called for a united national effort to tackle Accra’s perennial flooding, describing the challenge as one that requires collective responsibility beyond engineering solutions.
In a statement issued following the recent floods that affected several parts of the capital, the Ga Traditional Council expressed sympathy to families, traders, motorists and communities impacted by the disaster.
The Council also commended the Government, the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Metropolitan Assemblies, the security services and emergency responders for their efforts to rescue victims and restore normalcy.
According to the Ga Mantse, the recurring floods are closely linked to poor land-use practices, indiscriminate development on waterways, inadequate sanitation and environmental degradation.
The Council stressed that lasting solutions would require strict enforcement of planning regulations, protection of drainage systems, improved sanitation, environmental stewardship and greater public awareness.
It also pledged the full support of the Ga Traditional Council for government initiatives aimed at preventing unlawful construction on waterways, promoting community-led sanitation campaigns and strengthening collaboration among traditional authorities, local assemblies, faith-based organisations, businesses, youth groups and residents.
The Ga Mantse further committed to using the traditional institution’s influence to promote behavioural change, civic responsibility and respect for environmental laws to help reduce the impact of flooding in the capital.
The Council expressed confidence that with unity, effective planning, stronger enforcement and responsible citizen participation, Accra can significantly reduce the recurring destruction caused by seasonal floods.
