The Ghanaian government, under the direction of Minister Kenneth Gilbert Adjei of the Works, Housing, and Water Resources Ministry, has unveiled a firm plan to address the persistent flooding issues in Kumasi. Speaking at a stakeholder validation workshop, he emphasized that this will be a multi-sectoral effort—integrating agencies, local assemblies, and public-private partners—to deliver sustainable flood control solutions.
The Government’s Strategy and Funding Plan
In his speech, Minister Adjei stressed that Kumasi’s flooding cannot be resolved by a single institution. A holistic strategy involving the Ministry itself, Metropolitan and Municipal Assemblies (MMDAs), and other relevant agencies is essential.
Key components of the government’s approach include:
- Emergency Drainage Interventions: Immediate desilting and cleaning of drains in flood-prone areas.
- Strict Enforcement: Demolition of unauthorized structures on waterways and reinforcement of development controls.
- Public Education & Behavior Change: Campaigns aimed at sanitation, proper waste disposal, and awareness of flood risk.
- Flood Early Warning Systems (FEWS): Collaboration with the Ghana Meteorological Agency, NADMO, and the Hydrological Authority to activate warning systems.
To bring these plans to fruition, Minister Adjei estimated the requirement of approximately $6 billion, anticipating support through partnerships—public-private, climate finance channels, and development donors.
During his address, the minister emphasized that even well-engineered infrastructure would fail if citizens continue practices like building on waterways or dumping refuse in drains. His message was clear: societal habits must change—this is a shared responsibility.
He also reaffirmed the President’s directive establishing a dedicated task force to coordinate efforts across institutions, ensuring continuous monitoring and enforcement for long-term flood resilience
Kumasi is particularly vulnerable due to urban encroachment and ineffective drainage planning. Rivers such as the Wiwi and Subin face pollution pressures and development along their banks, diminishing natural flood buffers.
Citing national statistics, Ghana has endured multiple major floods over the past 30 years—some costing lives, livelihoods, and billions in economic losses. The cumulative impact of under-addressed drainage deficiencies is immense.
Minister Adjei’s multi-pronged blueprint seeks not only immediate relief but long-term resilience—a critical shift in policy and planning.