Legal expert and political analyst, Amanda Akuokor Clinton, has highlighted Ghana’s ongoing flooding issues as a result of poor urban planning and a lack of enforcement of regulations. In a recent appearance on JoyNews’ Newsfile program, Clinton stressed the importance of proactive governance and the implementation of proper enforcement mechanisms to address these challenges.
“We do not have a flooding problem in Ghana. What we have is a planning and enforcement problem,” Clinton firmly stated during the discussion. She criticized past governments for their failure to implement sustainable solutions, pointing to a lack of political will and institutional coordination as key factors contributing to the recurring disasters experienced each year.
The recent flooding in parts of the Greater Accra Region, which claimed the lives of five individuals according to the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), was attributed to inadequate drainage infrastructure and the encroachment of buildings into waterways. NADMO’s Director of Inspectorate, Richard Amo Yartey, disclosed that three of the fatalities occurred in the Ga East Municipality, with the remaining two in Adenta.
Clinton emphasized the urgent need for the government to transition from reactive measures to proactive prevention strategies in managing Ghana’s urban areas. She underscored the importance of addressing the root causes of flooding through comprehensive urban planning and strict enforcement of regulations to prevent future tragedies.
As Ghana continues to grapple with the devastating impact of flooding, it is imperative for policymakers to prioritize sustainable urban development practices and invest in resilient infrastructure to mitigate the risk of future disasters. By addressing the underlying issues of poor planning and lax enforcement, Ghana can build a safer and more sustainable future for its citizens.
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