07/07/2025
*Title: When It Rains, It Floods: The Silence of Authorities in Ghana’s Flood Crisis*
Every rainy season in Ghana, especially in the Western Region, comes with an all-too-familiar disaster: flooding. Streets become rivers, homes are submerged, and lives are disrupted. Yet, amid all this, one thing remains shockingly consistent — the silence of those in charge.
In cities like Takoradi and Sekondi, and even more acutely in communities like Anaji (Queen of Peace INSIDE area, for example), residents have learned not to expect answers or accountability. In fact, many of these areas still lack basic drainage infrastructure. It’s hard to believe that in 2025, parts of our urban centers are still built without proper planning to handle rainwater — but it’s our reality.
So when the rain falls, Queen of Peace (INSIDE) turns into a pool. The roads disappear. Water finds its way into homes and shops. Vehicles stall. People are forced to wade through filthy water just to go about their daily routines. And what do the authorities say? Nothing.
Where are the Metropolitan and Municipal Assemblies? Where are the public statements from city officials, explaining what’s being done to solve this recurring problem? Why don’t our leaders visit these communities after the floods to speak to residents and offer reassurance? The lack of engagement is not only frustrating — it’s unacceptable.
Local governments have a duty to communicate with the people they serve, especially in times of crisis. It is not enough to wait until a major disaster strikes or international media picks up the story before action is taken. Communities deserve to know that someone is listening and working toward a solution.
Flooding is not just a seasonal inconvenience. It destroys livelihoods, spreads disease, and even claims lives. If drainage systems had been properly planned and built in flood-prone communities like Anaji, many of these issues could have been prevented.
It’s time for our local authorities to step up. Communication should not be an afterthought — it should be a constant. The people deserve updates, plans, and timelines. Most importantly, they deserve to see action.
As residents, we also have a role to play. We must continue to raise our voices and demand transparency and accountability. The rainy season should not feel like a countdown to disaster.
Alhaji Awal
Anaji Dagonba Chief