Enforce Planning Laws, Declare 1-Week Flood Preparedness Exercise - Former Works and Housing Minister urged government

Hon. Francis Asenso Boakye has called for stricter enforcement of planning regulations and a *one-week national flood emergency preparedness exercise*, warning that illegal development in waterways and poor sanitation are worsening flooding in Ghana.

The MP said Ghana’s laws are adequate, but enforcement remains the challenge.

“Investments, maintenance and expansion of drainage systems. Equally important is the strict enforcement of planning regulations. Illegal developments in waterways, wetlands and flood plains continue to obstruct natural drain path and worsen flooding. Our laws are adequate. Enforcement remains the challenge, Mister Speaker,” he stated.

Hon. Asenso Boakye identified poor sanitation as another major challenge, noting that solid waste significantly reduces drainage capacity during heavy rains.

While he said the cancellation of major waste collection contracts may not be the sole cause of the recent floods, he raised concerns about the transition.

“While the cancellation of major waste collection contracts may not be the sole cause of the recent flooding, concerns have been raised about the adequacy of transition arrangements of the lack of alternative plans. Government must ensure that any policy change affecting sanitation do not compromise effective waste management,” he told the House.

The MP said *climate change is making extreme rainfall more frequent* and urged investment in climate-resilient drainage. He then called on government to act ahead of more forecast heavy rains.

“Both more heavy rains forecast are respectfully called on government to declare a one week national flood emergency preparedness exercise to enable Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, NADMO and the Hydrological Services Authority, the security agencies and other important stakeholders to intensify dredging, clear block drains, remove obstructions from waterways, preposition emergency teams and strengthen public education,” he stated.