Accra Flood Risk Threatens $3.2 B in Property amid Unauthorized Waterway Construction

The Human Settlement Director of Ghana’s Environmental Protection Agency warned that Accra’s flooding is “both an engineering and human problem,” blaming unplanned settlements, illegal building in waterways and poor waste disposal. He urged residents, local assemblies and developers to halt construction in flood‑prone zones, regularly desilt drains and enforce planning laws to curb the escalating danger.

World Bank data released this week shows that about $3.2 billion worth of property and economic assets in Greater Accra are exposed to flooding because of unauthorized construction on waterways and wetlands. The government has ordered the National Disaster Management Organisation’s flood task‑force to produce a comprehensive report identifying at‑risk areas, which could lead to enforcement actions against structures built inside drainage channels. Dr Nii Moi Thompson, chair of the National Development Planning Commission, called the situation “the painful truth … these floods should never have happened.” The GARID project is providing $200 million for drainage upgrades, nature‑based mitigation and warning systems, but officials stress that without stricter enforcement the risk will keep growing.