23/06/2026
Flooding in Ghana: It's More Than Desilting; It's About Planning
The statement by former DRIP National Coordinator, Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, touches on a critical truth that many urban planners, engineers, and real estate professionals have emphasized for years: flooding is not merely a drainage problem; it is also a land-use and development problem.
While desilting drains, rivers, and waterways is necessary, it addresses only one part of the challenge. Across Accra and many urban centres in Ghana, unauthorized developments have gradually occupied wetlands, floodplains, watercourses, and natural drainage channels.
Areas that were originally intended to absorb and convey stormwater have been converted into residential, commercial, and industrial developments.
Consequently, when heavy rains occur, water is forced into roads, homes, and businesses.
The current situation is worrying. Every rainy season brings reports of flooded properties, damaged vehicles, disrupted businesses, and, unfortunately, loss of lives.
Property owners bear significant financial losses, while investors become increasingly concerned about flood risks. In many cases, the cost of repairing flood damage far exceeds the cost of preventing it through proper planning and enforcement.
From a real estate perspective, this highlights the importance of due diligence before acquiring land or developing property. A parcel of land may appear attractive today but could become a financial liability if it is located within a flood-prone area or on a blocked watercourse.
The way forward requires a combination of strict enforcement of planning regulations, protection of wetlands, regular desilting, improved drainage infrastructure, and the removal of structures that obstruct natural water flow.
Most importantly, future developments must be guided by sound planning principles rather than short-term interests.
Sustainable cities are not built by reacting to disasters; they are built by preventing them.
Are you planning to buy land, develop property, conduct a flood-risk assessment, or undertake a real estate investment?
Contact me today for professional Real Estate Consultancy, Due Diligence, Feasibility Studies, and Property Risk Assessment services.
Let’s help you make safer and smarter property investment decisions.
https://wa.me/qr/LP2RT4ZJ3QY3M1