The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, has announced a series of urgent measures aimed at preventing and mitigating flooding across the Ashanti Region following recent heavy rains that affected several communities and exposed the growing threat posed by unauthorized developments on waterways.
The Minister disclosed this after convening an emergency stakeholder meeting on Monday morning to assess the flooding situation and formulate immediate interventions to protect lives and property.
The meeting brought together key institutions responsible for disaster management, environmental protection, spatial planning and local governance to discuss practical solutions to the recurring flood challenges confronting parts of the region.
Dr Amoakohene expressed grave concern over increasing encroachment on riverbanks, wetlands and natural waterways through illegal land reclamation, unauthorized filling activities and the construction of residential and commercial structures within flood-prone zones.
According to him, such practices continue to obstruct the natural flow of water, heighten the risk of flooding and endanger thousands of residents, especially during periods of intense rainfall.
“The indiscriminate development of properties on waterways poses a serious threat not only to human lives and investments but also to the environment. This dangerous trend must be stopped before it leads to avoidable disasters,” he stated.
The Minister revealed that some developers and landowners had ignored planning regulations and environmental guidelines, resulting in the destruction of natural drainage systems and increased vulnerability of communities to flooding.
To address the situation, Dr Amoakohene announced that he would embark on an inspection tour of selected flood-prone areas together with officials from the affected Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) as well as officers from the Spatial Planning Department.
The exercise, he said, would enable authorities to conduct firsthand assessments of affected locations, identify illegal structures and take decisive enforcement actions where necessary.
“We cannot continue to allow developments that compromise public safety. Government is determined to ensure that planning laws are enforced and that all unauthorized structures obstructing waterways are addressed in accordance with the law,” he stressed.
The Minister indicated that the regional administration would strengthen collaboration among local assemblies, environmental agencies and traditional authorities to ensure effective monitoring and protection of watercourses across the region.
He further called on residents, property developers and community leaders to support efforts aimed at preserving natural drainage channels and preventing environmental degradation.
Environmental experts have consistently warned that unchecked encroachment on wetlands and waterways remains one of the major causes of flooding in many urban centres, particularly as climate change contributes to increasingly erratic rainfall patterns.
Recent downpours in parts of Kumasi and other districts of the Ashanti Region resulted in localized flooding, causing damage to properties, disrupting transportation and raising concerns about the region’s preparedness for future extreme weather events.
Dr Amoakohene emphasized that flood prevention was a collective responsibility and urged citizens to refrain from activities that undermine environmental sustainability.
“Building in waterways is a danger to our communities and must stop. We all have a role to play in protecting our environment and safeguarding lives for future generations,” he said.
The Regional Minister reaffirmed government’s commitment to responsible development, environmental protection and disaster prevention, assuring residents that proactive measures would be implemented to reduce flood risks and build safer, more resilient communities across the Ashanti Region.
