Alexander Ackuaku, the 2020 NDC parliamentary candidate for the Bortianor Ngleshie Amanfro Constituency, has blamed political hesitation and public disregard for regulations as major causes of Ghana’s perennial flooding problem.
Speaking during a discussion on Bullet TV’s Morning Target, Mr. Ackuaku criticised the practice of people occupying waterways and drainage systems for commercial and residential purposes.
“People fill drainage gutters to put up containers just because they want to sell; at times I don’t know the kind of human beings that we are,” he stated.
According to him, many people knowingly build in unauthorised areas despite being aware of the risks and regulations against such developments.
He argued that authorities often struggle to enforce planning laws because some residents resort to political pressure and threats whenever enforcement actions are initiated.
“People know that they are not supposed to build in certain areas, but they go ahead and build; if authorities take action, they threaten them with votes,” he said.
Mr. Ackuaku further claimed that the fear of losing political support is preventing some leaders from taking bold and decisive steps to address the country’s recurring flooding challenges.
“The fear of losing votes is deterring leaders from making decisive decisions, such as solving Ghana’s perennial flooding problem,” he added.
He called for stricter enforcement of planning regulations and greater public responsibility in protecting drainage systems and waterways to help reduce the impact of flooding across the country.
