As Ghana intensifies its efforts to combat climate change, the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development Project (GARID) is transforming parts of the capital with upgraded drainage systems, cleaner waterways, and better living conditions in flood-prone communities such as Nima, Alajo, and Akweteman. However, residents of Odawna, just a few kilometers away, say they have been overlooked. Recurrent floods and rising heatwaves continue to disrupt daily life there, exposing deep inequalities in the country’s climate resilience drive.
GARID, supported by the World Bank and the Ministry of Works and Housing, was launched to protect vulnerable urban communities from flooding and climate-related shocks. In areas like Nima and Alajo, its impact is clear: new concrete drains, raised walkways, and improved waste management systems have reduced waterlogging and improved sanitation. Residents report safer neighborhoods and a visible decline in flood damage.
In Odawna, though, the situation remains dire. Drone footage captures submerged houses, ruined clinics, and heavily clogged drains. This year alone, torrential rains have displaced more than 3,000 residents. “The roads were flooded. I couldn’t move. I had to watch my child suffer until the water went down,” said Mary Klottey, a resident. Another local recalled the deadly toll: “Two people drowned in the gutter just here. This is dangerous. It’s not just water—it’s a killer.”
When the floods recede, another crisis emerges: extreme urban heat. Odawna’s tightly packed metal kiosks and concrete surfaces trap heat throughout the night. “It’s like an oven inside. I can’t sleep. My skin itches, and I feel dizzy most nights,” said Seth Kusi, a glass repairer. According to Dr. Ebenezer Amankwah of the University of Ghana’s Geography Department, nighttime temperatures in Odawna can be up to six degrees higher than the national average. The prolonged heat, he warned, increases the risk of dehydration and heat-related illnesses. “When floodwaters damage clinics and rising heat shuts down equipment, healthcare delivery collapses. Climate-proofing these areas is now essential,” he said.
Health facilities in Odawna have been repeatedly damaged by floods, leaving nurses to dry soaked medical tools and treat patients outdoors under intense heat. Dr. Amankwah has called for urgent investment to strengthen these clinics with cooling systems, elevated foundations, and stable power sources.
Despite limited resources, residents are trying to adapt. Some have raised their beds to avoid floodwaters; others have formed community clean-up groups to clear drains manually. “We’ve increased public education and advised people to seek safer areas. Odawna is part of the government’s long-term restoration plan, including dredging the Odaw River,” said Dennis Nartey, NADMO Regional Director.
Government agencies say work is underway. “Tree planting and reducing glass in homes help lower urban heat. Communities must be part of the change,” explained Professor Nana Ama Klutse, CEO of the Environmental Protection Agency. Richard Kofi Amekor, Head of the Drainage Department at the Ministry of Works and Housing, added, “We’ve begun dredging the Odaw River to improve water flow and reduce flooding. But the work must continue.”
Experts believe that expanding GARID’s reach to cover Odawna and other neglected settlements is critical to saving lives and building long-term climate resilience. While infrastructure improvements are vital, inclusion remains the key to ensuring every community benefits from Ghana’s adaptation agenda.
Despite the challenges, Odawna’s residents are showing determination. Children planting trees, youth organizing clean-ups, and women rebuilding small shops highlight a spirit of hope amid hardship. “The GARID project is proof that change is possible. We just need it to reach everyone,” said one volunteer.
Accra’s future depends on whether such inclusive action takes root. Climate resilience, experts agree, must not remain a promise on paper—it must become a shared reality for all.
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