Kasoa Man Drowns in Open Gutter During Saturday Downpour

• A man has been reported dead after drowning during flooding from heavy rains on June 14 in Kasoa
• The deceased reportedly tried to cross the flooded drain despite warnings from bystanders and was swept away by strong currents
• Local authorities and residents have blamed the tragedy on incomplete drainage construction and poor infrastructure planning

The body of a man who drowned during heavy rains in Kasoa, Central Region, has been found at Ironcity.

The victim, identified as N.K. Godfred reportedly fell into an open drain while heading home.

Citi News reported that he attempted to cross the flooded drain despite warnings from bystanders but was quickly swept away by the strong currents.

His body was discovered on Sunday afternoon in a different section of the Ironcity community.

Local authorities and residents have blamed the tragedy on incomplete drainage construction and poor infrastructure planning.

Kennedy Acheampong, an assemblyman, complained that the flooding is a recurring issue that has frustrated the area.

“We have a drainage problem in Ironcity. We’ve raised it repeatedly, but nothing has been done. We’re pleading with the MCE and authorities to act before more lives are lost."

Mahama orders anti-flooding task force

In March, President John Mahama directed the establishment of an Anti-Flood task force to tackle the flooding challenge.

The task force is chaired by Stanislav Xoese Dogbe, a Deputy Chief of Staff at the Presidency.

As part of its field operations, the Anti-Flood Taskforce conducted an aerial reconnaissance mission in March to assess flood-prone areas and gather critical data to prevent future disasters.

Mahama himself also visited some waterways and flood-prone areas.

A transport company, Caitec, notably did not comply with Mahama’s directive to reverse the illegal reclamation of portions of the Weija Ramsar site.

There have since been demolitions in Accra following the massive flooding that occurred during a downpour on May 18.

Some of the heavily affected areas were Weija, Kaneshie, Adabraka, Adenta-Dodowa and Tema. The flooding led to at least five deaths, including a four-year-old.

Analysis of the causes of floods

A recent study by urban planning and sustainability experts examined the causes of flooding in Accra, focusing on whether climate change or poor land-use planning was to blame.

Their analysis concluded that poor and uncoordinated land use planning, rather than climate change, is the primary cause of flooding in Accra.

The experts have called for stronger enforcement of land-use regulations and urged that the physical planning department, along with other relevant agencies, be better equipped to carry out these needed tasks.

Developer distraught over demolition of his building

YEN.com.gh reported that in May, a developer begged the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Ocloo, as she supervised the demolition of his building, which was sited on the Sakumono Ramsar site.

Some other distraught developers accused the manager of the Ramsar site of giving false assurances and taking bribes.

The Greater Accra Regional Security Council launched the demolition exercise targeting unauthorised structures built within waterways.

Proofreading by Samuel Gitonga, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.

Source: YEN.com.gh