‘We Need a New Relationship With Water’ —Weija Gbawe MP Calls for Greater Accra Flood Plan Beyond Drains, Relief

Weija-Gbawe MP and Second Deputy Minority Whip Hon. Jerry Ahmed Shaib has called for a comprehensive Greater Accra Flood Resilience Plan, telling Parliament that Ghana must end the “cycle of disaster, relief, and reconstruction” and build a new relationship with water.

In his statement on recent floods, Hon. Shaib said seasonal emergency responses are no longer enough.

“I therefore call for the development of a comprehensive Greater Accra flood resilience plan. A long term strategy that moves us beyond seasonal emergency responses and addresses flooding at its roots.”

He said the plan must unite engineers, climate scientists, urban planners, local assemblies, traditional authorities, and communities “under a coordinated framework.”

Hon. Shaib outlined five key pillars which includes Engineering and emergency preparedness, Modernization of drainage systems, continuous desilting and dredging of existing channels, improved flood forecasting and emergency response systems.

Secondly, Nature-based solutions by Protection and restoration of wetlands, preservation of flood plains, creation of green corridors and natural water retention areas, Again, Smart urban development with Climate sensitive building regulations, water impact assessments, rainwater retention systems, controls on excessive paving and urban hardening.

He also called for Community stewardship and behavioral change saying “Flood resilience is not only an engineering challenge. It is a shared responsibility. It requires stronger public education, responsible waste disposal, respect for natural drainage pathways and active community leadership.” He added, “Plastic waste and indiscriminate dumping continue to block our drains Mister Speaker and worsen flooding.” And lastly, Governance, coordination, and accountability.“There must be clear institutional responsibilities, sustainable funding, measured targets and regular reporting to this honorable house so that flood resilience remains a continuous national priority.”

The MP stressed the human cost of inaction. “The cost of prevention will always be less than the cost of rebuilding homes and restoring infrastructure after every disaster. But while buildings can be reconstructed and roads can be repaired, the lives lost can never be recovered. This is the true cost of our inaction.”