More than 4,000 people have been displaced and over 2,000 households affected after days of heavy rainfall triggered severe flooding across the Ketu South Municipality in the Volta Region.
The floods have submerged homes, displaced families and contaminated several water sources, raising fears of possible outbreaks of waterborne diseases. In some communities, children have been seen swimming in floodwaters mixed with refuse and waste, heightening public health concerns.
Residents say the flooding, which has become more frequent in recent years, has disrupted livelihoods and left many families without shelter or access to basic necessities.
Speaking to Accra-based Channel One News, one affected resident, Sumaila Adam, explained:
“We did not experience flooding here some years ago, but the situation has changed due to extensive construction around the area. Now, whenever it rains, the area gets flooded because there is no proper drainage path for the water. It is seriously affecting us.”
Another resident, Ayuba Kangayi, blamed the recurring floods on poor drainage infrastructure and called for urgent intervention.
“The water has no proper drainage channel. We are calling on stakeholders to dredge the existing waterways and create new ones to allow the free flow of water. Women, children and the elderly are the most affected.”
The Ketu South Municipal Director of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Ferguson Ahorlu, said emergency measures are already underway to provide relief to those affected.
He disclosed that preliminary assessments show more than 4,000 people have been affected, with over 2,000 households recording varying degrees of damage.
Mr. Ahorlu noted that beyond immediate relief, the municipality is working on long-term solutions.
“Authorities will undertake urgent dredging and the construction of drainage systems to improve the flow of stormwater into the lagoon and reduce the impact of future floods,” he said.
The floods have once again highlighted the vulnerability of many communities to heavy rains and the urgent need for sustainable drainage and urban planning solutions in the Volta Region.
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