Flooding at Sekondi Prison Due to Failing Drainage System

The Sekondi Central Prison has experienced severe flooding in its cells following hours of heavy rainfall that overwhelmed the facility's aging drainage system. Inmates were forced to spend hours scooping out water and standing in flooded conditions, as the prison, originally built in 1902 for 150-200 inmates, now houses over 600 individuals. A joint inspection by prison authorities and engineers from Viabuild revealed that the flooding is due to fundamental weaknesses in the drainage design. Edward Lee Aflade, Viabuild's Health and Safety Manager, noted that the drainage system creates a pressure imbalance during heavy rains, causing water to accumulate. Benedict Bob Derry, Director of Operations, explained that the drainage system resembles a larger gutter leading into a smaller one, exacerbating the issue. The prison's low elevation also contributes to the problem, as runoff from surrounding areas flows back into the yard during storms. Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson emphasized that the flooding is just one of several reasons for the prison's necessary relocation, advocating for a site with more space and better security away from the city center.