'Don't Dump, Don't Block': NADMO and Zoomlion lead flood prevention drive

The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and Zoomlion Ghana Limited have launched a 12-week nationwide flood awareness campaign aimed at promoting responsible waste disposal and reducing the impact of flooding during this rainy season.

The 12-week initiative, dubbed “No Do No Do”, seeks to encourage residents to keep drains and waterways free from refuse, a practice authorities say continues to contribute significantly to the flooding that displaces families, destroys property and claims lives during heavy rains.

Stop throwing refuse into drains - Public urged

Launching the campaign in Accra on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, Greater Accra Regional Director of NADMO, Dennis Adjannor Nartey, said the annual cycle of floods in many parts of the country should not be accepted as a normal occurrence.

According to him, many of the devastating flood incidents experienced across Ghana are linked to human activities, particularly the dumping of waste into drainage channels and waterways.

“Flooding is not a natural disaster. It is a challenge we can solve when government, the private sector and communities work together,” Nartey stated.

He explained that the campaign will focus on addressing the root causes of flooding through a combination of public education, community engagement and practical interventions.

Activities under the initiative will include drain desilting exercises, community sensitisation programmes, public awareness campaigns and efforts to strengthen early warning systems in vulnerable areas.

Nartey called on residents, community leaders and institutions to support the campaign by adopting responsible sanitation practices and protecting drainage infrastructure within their localities.

The campaign's central message was echoed by the General Manager of Governmental Affairs, Strategic Partnerships, Corporate Affairs, Media and Brands at Zoomlion Ghana Limited, Emma Adwoa Appiah Osei-Duah, who stressed that simple actions by individuals can make a significant difference.

“The message is clear: Don’t dump. Don’t block. Let water flow,” she said.

She noted that despite repeated warnings and public education campaigns over the years, many drains continue to be clogged with plastic waste and other debris, leading to avoidable flooding whenever heavy rains occur.

According to her, sustainable flood prevention begins at the household and community level, where residents have a responsibility to ensure that waste is disposed of properly and drainage channels remain unobstructed.

Emma Osei-Duah added that the collaboration between Zoomlion and NADMO combines expertise in waste management and disaster preparedness, creating an opportunity to drive long-term behavioural change across the country.

Over the next three months, the campaign will roll out community outreach programmes, stakeholder engagements, clean-up exercises and intensive public education activities in flood-prone areas.

NA/MA

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