Engineers Demand Shift in Ghana Flood Strategy

The Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE) demands an urgent change to Ghana’s stormwater management rules. Existing drainage systems can no longer handle the strain. Rapid city growth and changing weather patterns increase flood risks.

Current drainage systems were built to move water downstream quickly. These conventional methods are now insufficient for busy cities. This is especially true in Accra and other growing urban areas. The systems were not designed for the current challenges these cities face.

Ghana’s cities face a growing economic and social crisis from floods. Rapid urban expansion means more land is covered by buildings and roads. This prevents rainwater from soaking into the ground naturally. Poor waste management also blocks drains. Heavy rainfall, which is becoming more common, overloads the drains designed for lighter rain.

Flooding in Accra is now more than just a seasonal problem. It has become a serious structural issue. This is driven by fast urbanisation and the loss of natural areas. Fragmented management systems also make the problem worse. The GhIE noted that floods are happening more often and are more severe. Many drains are filled with rubbish, stopping them from working properly. The Odaw-Korle drainage system in Accra is too small for the amount of water it receives. This causes regular flooding.

Institutional confusion also hinders effective flood control. Many government bodies have a say in managing water. However, their responsibilities are scattered. Different administrative areas do not match natural water catchment areas. This makes it hard to plan effectively across entire water basins.

GhIE recommends a new direction. They want to move towards systems that work with nature. These are called decentralized, nature-based storm water management systems. Such systems copy how water flows in natural environments. Examples include using surfaces that let water soak through, called permeable pavements. Other ideas are rain gardens and green roofs on buildings. Detention systems and rainwater harvesting are also proposed.

The institution also calls for a National Post-Development Runoff Control Policy. This would ensure new buildings do not create more water runoff than before development. A National Rainwater Harvesting Policy is also advised. Stronger rules for land use and planning around natural water areas are needed. The private sector should also play a bigger role in developing green infrastructure. According to GhIE, these changes can greatly reduce floods. They can also improve water quality and create green jobs. This will make Ghana stronger against climate change challenges.

"The evidence is clear," stated the GhIE report. "Ghana must shift from downstream, conveyance-based engineering to upstream, decentralized, nature-mimicking stormwater management. The time for policy reform is now." These suggestions match global best practices. They also support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Specifically, they help achieve SDG 6 for clean water and sanitation. They also support SDG 11 for sustainable cities and communities.