Inside GhIE's proposed strategy to curb Accra floods

President of the Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE), Kwabena Bempah Hesse, has proposed that underground water storage systems be made mandatory for all new developments as part of measures to curb persistent flooding in Accra.

Speaking on efforts to address flooding in the capital, Hesse said future building regulations should compel developers to incorporate subterranean water storage facilities to slow the movement of stormwater.

According to a report by graphic.com.gh on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, Hesse said Accra had lost many of its natural water retention areas due to urban development, causing rainwater to flow rapidly into flood-prone communities.

Regional Minister urges collective action to tackle chronic floods in Accra

“Every new development should, by law, do a subterranean storage of water and then let it out gradually,” he said.

He added that estate developers should be required to include rainwater harvesting systems in their projects, while existing buildings undergoing major renovations should also install such facilities to reduce surface runoff.

According to Hesse, studies by the Ghana Institution of Engineering show that many natural water retention areas in Greater Accra have disappeared due to rapid urbanisation, causing rainwater to move faster into flood-prone communities.

He argued that while demolishing structures on waterways could help mitigate flooding locally, a broader approach focused on delaying stormwater before it reaches vulnerable areas such as Sakumono and the Korle Lagoon area was needed.

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