The Chief Executive of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), Richard Ofori-Agyemang Boadi, says the assembly began early interventions about two months ago in flood-prone areas to reduce the impact of rainfall on residents.
He explained that the assembly acted after concerns were raised by the Ghana Water Company about heavy silt and sand blocking water channels, which often leads to flooding during heavy rains.
“Anywhere we know has issues and where traditionally it floods when it rains, we started working on it about two months ago” he said in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem morning show.
He added that clearing of waterways has been ongoing to improve drainage and reduce disruption to daily activities.
“The Ghana Water Company came to alert us that the water channels were heavily silted with sand. So when we heard that, we also started working on the river because when it rains, people cannot even cross to go about their daily business,” he said.
According to him, the early interventions have helped reduce major flooding incidents in most parts of the metropolis.
“Because of that, we did not get a lot of flooding issues,” he noted.
However, he revealed that work at one location has been challenging due to local beliefs and resistance from residents.
“In one area, the excavator working there got stuck in the river, and residents believe it has to do with the river gods. They say some rituals must be performed before work can continue,” he explained.
He also mentioned another incident in Oforikrom, specifically at a location called House of Jacob, where an excavator deployed for drainage work has also become stuck.
“We have an excavator at a place called House of Jacob is stuck, and we are working to retrieve it,” he said.
Mr. Boadi further noted that despite these challenges, the assembly has carried out demolition exercises in some flood-prone areas to prevent future disasters.
He said Kumasi has a relatively well-engineered drainage system in areas such as Asafo, but rapid population growth and human activities have reduced its effectiveness over time.
“Our engineers are currently assessing the situation. It will cost millions of dollars to fix properly, so we will engage the Ministry of Works and Housing for support when the estimates are ready,” he stated.
He assured residents that while the rainy season is underway, Kumasi is not experiencing severe flooding compared to other parts of the country due to ongoing interventions.
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