The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has charged President John Dramani Mahama to implement “tough and decisive” measures to find a permanent fix to Ghana’s repeated flooding, cautioning that the ongoing issue has now turned into a serious public health threat.
In a release signed by its President, Prof. Dr. (Med.) Ernest Yorke, and General Secretary, Dr. (Dent.) Richard Selormey, the Association stated that the growing scale and frequency of floods kept taking lives, forcing thousands from their homes, wrecking property and incomes, crippling transport systems, halting emergency medical care and raising the chances of disease outbreaks.
“We urge the President to take tough and decisive decisions and actions that will bring significant and lasting solutions to the perennial flood situation in Accra and other communities,” the statement said.
The GMA observed that although Accra has faced major flood events for years, the challenge has now extended to other areas, with recent inundations hitting Greater Accra, Central, Western and Volta Regions.
The Association blamed the repeated flooding on a mix of factors including weak and poorly serviced drains, fast urban growth, tree loss, climate shifts, bad waste management habits, building on wetlands and natural channels, illegal mining, political meddling, poor enforcement of planning and construction rules, low public awareness and gaps in infrastructure.
It added that the problem is worsened by permission for unauthorised construction in flood zones, poor funding and staffing for oversight and enforcement, weak penalties to discourage breaches and lack of tools and resources for rescue operations.
The Association therefore called on the government to upgrade drainage systems through consistent upkeep and expansion of storm drains, firmly apply land-use laws to stop construction in flood-prone zones and step up education on flood readiness, sanitation and waste disposal.
It also asked for coordinated city planning, tighter accountability in flood control programs and removal of politics from flood management.
The GMA said officials and others who enable or allow illegal structures that threaten public safety must face consequences.
The Association further requested more funding for emergency agencies such as the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), the Ghana National Fire Service, hospital emergency units and the Department of Social Welfare, to boost readiness and response during flood incidents.
It also told residents in affected areas to follow key health practices, including regular handwashing with soap and clean water, drinking safe water, consuming freshly cooked hot food, disposing of refuse properly and getting medical care early if they experience diarrhoea or other symptoms.
