Director of Research and Innovation at Kumasi Technical University(KsTU), Prof Smart Sarpong, has attributed Ghana’s recurring flooding crisis to weak institutional enforcement and unchecked encroachment on natural wetlands.
Speaking on Metro TV, he warned that the country risks repeating the same flooding challenges annually if decisive action is not taken to address land-use violations and regulatory failures.
“Year in, year out, our encroachment and invasion of natural wetlands is getting out of hand,” he said.
Prof Sarpong criticised state institutions responsible for environmental regulation and urban planning, arguing that successive governments have failed to implement lasting solutions.
“The works and housing minister, per my last ranking, was among the bottom five. The fact that this issue sits within his ministry and he only appears during post-flooding activities rather than pre-flooding prevention shows we are not serious,” he stated.
He also questioned the effectiveness of local assemblies and permitting authorities, accusing them of contributing to the problem through weak oversight.
“Our assemblies and those in charge of permits have also reneged,” he added.
The academic warned that without structural reforms, Ghana would continue to face cyclical flooding challenges year after year.
