Frimpong-Manso Institute and NADMO Demand Long-Term Solutions to Ghana’s Perennial Flooding Crisis

The Frimpong-Manso Institute (FMI) and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) have issued a series of urgent calls for a paradigm shift in how Ghana manages its recurring flood disasters. Following recent heavy rains that have devastated parts of Accra and Tema West, the FMI emphasized that flooding must no longer be treated as a seasonal emergency but as a systemic failure of urban planning and drainage infrastructure. FMI President Rev. Prof. Paul Frimpong-Manso, alongside other leaders, criticized the national tendency to focus on flooding only during rainy seasons, urging a transition toward permanent, year-round preventive strategies to protect lives and avoid preventable socio-economic losses.

In the Tema West Municipality, the crisis has reached a critical point, with NADMO reporting that over 5,000 residents have been affected by recent stormwater runoff. Mr. Kwaku Adjei Baah, Head of NADMO’s Hydrometeorological and Geological Unit, attributed the severity of the situation to unauthorized construction and illegal developments in protected zones. Strikingly, officials revealed that approximately 99% of the structures currently impeding watercourses in the area lack proper building permits. The situation is further exacerbated by poor sanitation practices, as clogged drains and improper waste disposal prevent existing infrastructure from handling heavy rainfall, leading to significant flooding in communities like Church Village.

To mitigate future disasters, NADMO officials are advocating for the demolition of unauthorized structures on waterways, citing them as a primary obstacle to effective drainage. Mr. Kweku Nana Tatantu, the Tema West Director of NADMO, emphasized that while relief efforts are underway to provide essential items to displaced persons, long-term safety depends on strict enforcement of planning laws and the relocation of residents from high-risk zones. Additionally, the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council (GARCC) has raised concerns over operational challenges, warning residents against making prank emergency calls. These false reports have reportedly diverted critical resources from genuine life-threatening situations during recent flood events.

Looking forward, the FMI is calling for a more coordinated national effort that integrates government agencies, local authorities, and faith-based organizations to foster a culture of environmental stewardship. The institute urged religious leaders to use their platforms to promote responsible sanitation and waste management, framing the protection of the environment as a moral obligation. As the Ghana Meteorological Agency warns of heavier rainfall later in the season, stakeholders agree that without a combination of stricter law enforcement, improved infrastructure, and community-led environmental responsibility, the cycle of annual flood disasters will continue to undermine the nation's urban development.