30/06/2026
GHANA MUST RETHINK ITS DRAINAGE SYSTEM
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Every year, when the rains come, we blame nature. But the real problem is poor planning.
Look at areas like East Legon, West Legon, and many other parts of Accra. Years ago, flooding was rare. Today, homes are submerged, roads become rivers, businesses are affected, and lives are put at risk. Why? Because we continue to build without providing drainage systems that can handle growing communities.
Why can't Ghana adopt modern underground drainage systems? Around the world, underground drains are covered with strong metal grates or sieves that allow only rainwater to enter while trapping rubbish and soil. The water is then safely carried through underground pipes to rivers, lagoons, retention ponds, or the sea.
Some argue that underground drains will become blocked. The answer is simple: proper engineering, regular maintenance, and strict enforcement against littering. Many countries have solved this problem, and Ghana can too.
Development is not just about building beautiful houses and roads. It is about building infrastructure that protects people and stands the test of time. If we continue to ignore proper drainage planning, flooding will only become worse as our cities grow.
It is time for our engineers, planners, policymakers, and political leaders to come together and invest in modern drainage infrastructure. Ghana deserves cities that are safe, clean, and resilient.
Let's stop reacting to floods and start preventing them. The future of our cities depends on the decisions we make today.
