Thursday, 11 June

Climate change biggest cause of Accra flooding, not just building on waterways – Dickson Kyere-Duah

News
Floods in Accra

Member of Parliament (MP) for Berekum West and a member of Parliament’s Select Committee on Environment, Science and Technology, Dickson Kyere-Duah, has attributed the persistent flooding in Accra largely to climate change, describing it as the greatest threat facing humanity today.

According to him, while indiscriminate construction on waterways may contribute to the flooding situation, it is not the sole cause of the problem.

Speaking to the media, the legislator stressed that the increasing frequency and severity of flooding events are largely linked to the effects of climate change.

Kyere-Duah noted that Accra has always been a low-lying area for centuries, yet the city had not experienced flooding on the scale being witnessed in recent years. He argued that the current situation cannot be blamed solely on the city’s geographical location.

“What we are experiencing today is largely the result of climate change,” he stated, adding that the phenomenon should serve as a wake-up call for stakeholders and policymakers.

He urged Parliament and other decision-makers to take urgent action by translating environmental policies into tangible measures aimed at mitigating the impact of climate change and addressing the flooding menace.

Meanwhile, the MP for Suame, John Darko, believes partisan politics must be set aside if Ghana is to find a lasting solution to the recurring flooding problem in Accra and other parts of the country.

According to him, government authorities must be firm and impartial in enforcing laws against illegal developments on waterways, regardless of the political affiliations of those involved.

Darko blamed politicians for partly contributing to the problem, arguing that many fail to take decisive action when enforcement measures are required.

He emphasised that ending the flooding crisis would require political will, strict enforcement of planning regulations, and a collective commitment to protecting watercourses from encroachment.

Source: classfmonline.com/Gordon Sackitey