Zoomlion Ghana Limited, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), and its partners have deployed officers across all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in the Greater Accra Region to monitor and maintain flood-prone drains.
The initiative is aimed at sustaining gains made during a three-day clean-up, desilting, and dredging exercise as the rainy season intensifies.
The move follows a June 10–12 anti-flood operation undertaken with FeDems Limited, Dredge Masters Limited, the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana National Fire Service, and various MMDAs. The exercise cleared major drains at Mallam, GBC, Weija, Circle, Kaneshie, and Ablekuma West following recent downpours that caused flooding in parts of the capital.
Speaking to the media, Zoomlion Greater Accra Regional Manager, Ricky Anokye Frimpong, said the deployment of officers is key to ensuring sustainability.
“To ensure sustainability, we have attached our officers to the MMDAs. We know that at least quarterly this kind of exercise will go on. We also have a campaign with NADMO, ‘No Do No Do’ Flood Awareness Campaign, and we believe it will help keep these gutters clean,” he said.
Each officer will work closely with Environmental Health Departments of their assigned MMDAs, as well as NADMO district officers, to monitor flood-prone areas and schedule regular desilting activities.
At Ablekuma West’s Shiabu Electoral Area, Municipal Chief Executive George Kpakpo Allotey said the goal is to ensure that drains remain clear to allow the free flow of water.
“We want to have this place in shape so that at least we can have our gutters free to allow the free flow of water,” he said.
He disclosed that enforcement actions have already begun against encroachers.
“We also identified that some people have put structures on the gutters. We’ve asked them to clear them within two hours. Otherwise, we will remove them, and they have agreed,” he stated.
Mr. Allotey blamed human activities for recurring flooding and urged residents to change their behaviour.
“We are appealing to people to stop dumping refuse into the gutters because the gutters are there to allow the free flow of water. Once you put garbage in, the water cannot flow, and that causes flooding,” he said.
He described flooding as a national challenge rather than a purely local issue.
“Every year we talk about flooding, but this time the rains are heavier than normal… when you look at Weija and beyond, all waterways have been encroached upon. So it is more of a national issue than a municipal issue,” he added.
The MCE noted that the Assembly is intensifying efforts to clear drains after years of neglect.
“This exercise has not been done for about eight years. So definitely, this is overdue, but we are determined to clean and clear all gutters within the municipality,” he said.
He also called on residents to support enforcement efforts by reporting offenders.
“Our message to Ghanaians is to change our attitude. If gutters are constructed, they should be used for their intended purpose. And when you see someone dumping refuse into them, report the person so we can take action,” he added.
Mr. Frimpong warned that the current rains are only a preview of what is to come.
“This is just what we are experiencing now. The real rains are coming, and we need to prepare,” he said.
He stressed that flooding in Accra is largely preventable.
“If we stop dumping refuse into gutters and keep them clean, flooding will be greatly reduced. It is not only natural; it is also man-made,” he stated.
The sustainability plan includes continuous monitoring, quarterly clean-up exercises, and community engagement through unit committees to help enforce sanitation laws and discourage illegal dumping.
