The issue of Flooding has been persistent in Greater Accra and other parts of the country. The root causes of this problem vary, from natural occurrences like excessive rainfall to human-induced activities such as improper urban planning.

The president of Ghana Institution of Engineering, Ing. Ludwig Hesse has offered a comprehensive analysis of the challenges and potential solutions, particularly focusing on the role of political parties and the government in addressing this issue through policy. One of the key recommendations Mr. Hesse made is the need for flood attenuation programs.

Mr. Hesse acknowledged that there are already some ongoing initiatives, such as the GARID (Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development) program, which aims to address flood risks in the region. However, Mr. Hesse cautioned that much of the damage has already been done due to delayed action. “We’ve left a lot of things too late” before addressing them he stated.

On this, Mr. Hesse highlighted the consequences of neglecting areas prone to flooding. A critical aspect of flood management, Mr. Hesse emphasized the importance of protecting floodplains.

“There are places which are prone to flooding, and they should be left as flood plains so that water can be retained.”
Ing. Ludwig Hesse the president of Ghana Institution of Engineering

Moreover, Mr. Hesse advised that Retaining water in these areas allows for its gradual release, reducing the risk of flooding in more densely populated urban centers.

Mr. Hesse pointed out that unfortunately, much of Accra’s floodplain has been developed, contributing to the city’s vulnerability. Despite these challenges, Mr. Hesse remained hopeful, noting that the ongoing programs are attempting to “salvage what is left.”

Mr. Hesse also identified a common mistake in flood management—lining drains too quickly, especially upstream.

“The more lining you put into drains, the faster the water travels then it gets into Odaw and floods Accra.”
Ing. Ludwig Hesse the president of Ghana Institution of Engineering

Mr. Hesse added that accelerating water flow may seem like an effective solution, but it can exacerbate flooding in downstream areas where the drainage system cannot manage the increased water volume.

Another major concern raised by Mr. Hesse is the trend of urban development that leads to excessive paving of surfaces. Mr. Hesse pointed out that homeowners often cover their entire yards with impermeable materials like terrazzo, which prevents water from being absorbed into the ground.

This practice contributes significantly to flooding because “the waterfalls to the roof onto the terrazzo and straight onto the street,” eventually overwhelming the city’s drainage systems. According to Mr. Hesse, this issue stems from a lack of enforcement of zoning regulations.

“It’s just because somebody is not enforcing the regulations on how you should develop your own home.”
Ing. Ludwig Hesse the president of Ghana Institution of Engineering

Mr. Hesse emphasized that district assemblies should play a more active role in ensuring compliance. Mr. Hesse believes that addressing flooding in Greater Accra requires more than just building larger drains.

Mr. Hesse argued that “most of the time when you build drains, you are making the water carried more efficiently,” which only shifts the problem downstream. Instead, a more holistic approach to flood management is necessary, which includes promoting rainwater harvesting and encouraging green spaces in urban development.

Mr. Hesse explained that rainwater harvesting allows homeowners to capture water that falls on their roofs and store it in tanks.

Drainage System and Green Spaces

Moreover, this practice not only reduces the amount of water entering the drainage system but also provides a valuable resource for households. Additionally, preserving green spaces can help water infiltrate the ground, recharging aquifers and reducing surface runoff.

One of the most critical points Mr. Hesse made is that the government and district assemblies must take responsibility for implementing these solutions effectively.

“The assemblies and the government system should ensure that these things happen.”
Ing. Ludwig Hesse the president of Ghana Institution of Engineering

According to Mr. Hesse Without proper oversight and enforcement, even the best-designed programs will fail to achieve their goals.

Mr. Hesse emphasized that the challenge is not simply about constructing infrastructure but also about ensuring that “all the small pieces” are addressed to create a comprehensive flood management system.

Mr. Hesse’s remarks acknowledged the reality that “the rains will continue to fall.” While flooding cannot be eliminated, it can be managed through careful planning, enforcement of regulations, and the implementation of a variety of flood attenuation measures.

Mr. Hesse warned that without a coordinated effort to address these issues, “the people at the downstream end will construct, etcetera,” implying that piecemeal solutions will only lead to continued suffering for those in the most vulnerable areas.

Mr. Hesse’s insights provide a clear roadmap for political parties and the government to follow in their efforts to mitigate flooding in Greater Accra.

By prioritizing flood attenuation programs, protecting floodplains regulating urban development, and encouraging rainwater harvesting Ghana can make significant strides toward reducing the impact of floods on its cities and communities. However, the success will ultimately depend on the willingness of political leaders to enforce regulations and implement comprehensive solutions.