Omanghana
The Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, has urged a coordinated national response to Accra’s recurring flooding challenge, stressing that the issue goes beyond engineering solutions and must be addressed as a matter of collective civic responsibility.
In a statement issued by the Ga Traditional Council following severe seasonal rains that once again inundated parts of the capital, the King emphasized that infrastructure development alone will not resolve the crisis unless accompanied by sustained public discipline and behavioural change.
Flooding Beyond Infrastructure
King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II noted that while government investments in drainage systems and urban planning remain essential, they are insufficient without responsible human conduct.
He described the annual flooding incidents in Accra as a shared national burden requiring both institutional action and citizen cooperation, warning that unchecked practices continue to undermine mitigation efforts.
Key Measures Proposed by the Ga Traditional Council
The Ga Traditional Council outlined a comprehensive set of recommendations aimed at addressing the capital’s persistent flooding problem:
Strict Waterway Enforcement:
The Council called for firm enforcement of land-use regulations, including the demolition of illegal structures built on waterways and natural drainage paths.
Strengthening Key Institutions:
It urged enhanced capacity and coordination for disaster and environmental agencies such as the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA Ghana) to improve preparedness and response.
Tackling Plastic Waste and Drainage Blockages:
The Council highlighted the growing impact of plastic pollution, describing it as a “national tragedy,” and called for regular, community-led desilting of clogged drains to restore free water flow during heavy rains.
Promotion of Green Infrastructure:
It also recommended reducing excessive concrete paving in residential and commercial developments to improve natural water absorption and reduce surface runoff.
Traditional Authority’s Commitment
As custodians of the Ga land, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II pledged the full support of the Ga Traditional Council in advancing grassroots civic education and encouraging communities to adopt better environmental practices.
The Council also expressed sympathy to residents, traders, and motorists affected by the latest flooding events, while commending the swift response of emergency services and the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Hon. Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo.
The statement reinforces growing calls for a long-term, integrated approach to urban flooding management in Accra, combining enforcement, infrastructure, and public responsibility.
Source: Omanghana
