The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has warned that persistent indiscipline among Ghanaians is undermining efforts to tackle flooding, particularly in urban centres.
The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) NADMO Administrator, Jamal-Deen Ibrahim Seidu, identified irresponsible waste disposal, illegal construction, and disregard for drainage regulations as the main drivers of flooding in the Ashanti Region.
Speaking on the sidelines of the World Soil Day celebration at the Soil Research Institute of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR-SRI) in Kumasi, Mr Seidu stressed that authorities cannot fight floods effectively without a change in public behaviour.
“Floods in the Ashanti Region are largely a result of indiscipline. People throw rubbish into gutters, block waterways, and build on waterlogged land. When the rains come, the water has nowhere to go,” he said.
He revealed that a new law awaiting presidential assent will empower NADMO to demolish structures illegally erected in flood-prone areas, strengthening enforcement efforts.
“We need the legal power to act decisively,” Mr Seidu noted, adding that weak enforcement has allowed encroachment on waterways to persist over the years.
Despite the challenges, he said the region recorded relatively low flood incidents in 2025, attributing the improvement to intensified public education and sensitisation campaigns.
“Because of the heightened sensitisation, we did not experience any flood cases that got out of control, especially here in the Kumasi metropolis,” he stated.
Mr Seidu also disclosed that NADMO has been organising regular clean-up exercises across the metropolis, clearing choked gutters and removing waste to allow free flow of rainwater. These interventions, he said, helped prevent major flooding during the rainy season.
He further called on the government to redesign and upgrade drainage systems, noting that many existing structures are outdated and unable to handle increasing rainfall linked to climate change and rapid urbanisation.
The World Soil Day event, held under the theme “Healthy Soil for Healthy Cities,” brought together researchers, students, local authorities, and environmental groups, all emphasising the need for responsible land use and proper waste management.
Mr Seidu urged residents to stop dumping refuse into waterways, respect drainage easements, and report illegal developments, warning that preventing flooding is a shared responsibility.
“Together we can turn the tide against flooding,” he concluded.
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