Heavy Downpours Trigger Floods in Sandema and KNUST as NADMO Cites Wetland Encroachment and Blocked Drainages

Recent heavy rains across Ghana have caused significant disruptions in the Upper East and Ashanti Regions, highlighting the country's vulnerability to seasonal flooding. In the town of Sandema and on the campus of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), intense downpours led to inundated homes, blocked transportation routes, and the overflow of natural water bodies. The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has been deployed to both locations to assess the extent of the damage and initiate immediate remedial actions to safeguard lives and property.

In the Builsa North Municipality, the flooding in Sandema resulted in extensive property damage and the disruption of the vital Sandema-Navrongo road. While no casualties were reported from the incident last Thursday, residents faced significant challenges as water entered homes and cut off access to several communities. The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) is currently assessing the scale of the destruction, with local authorities discussing proposed infrastructure improvements to prevent a recurrence. Meanwhile, NADMO officials have cautioned the public against wading through floodwaters due to the hidden dangers posed by submerged obstacles.

Simultaneously, at KNUST in Kumasi, the Wewe River overflowed its banks, overtopping bridges and flooding portions of the university grounds. Preliminary assessments by NADMO officials, including Deputy Ashanti Regional Director Mr. Charles Oppong, linked the severity of the flood to human activities. Specifically, encroachment on wetlands behind the university’s boundary wall and the alteration of natural stream channels have hindered the river's capacity to manage excess water. Flood risk expert Prof. Divine Ahadzie noted that these wetlands normally act as natural buffers, and their degradation significantly increases disaster risks in urban settings.

In response to the situation at the university, KNUST and NADMO have commenced urgent dredging works to restore the river’s capacity and improve water flow. Local officials report that the situation is currently under control and improvements are being observed as silted and blocked drainage channels are cleared. These incidents in Sandema and Kumasi underscore the urgent need for stricter enforcement of environmental regulations and the preservation of floodplains to protect critical infrastructure from the increasing frequency of extreme weather events.