Frimpong-Manso Institute urges action on sanitation following Accra floods

The Frimpong-Manso Institute has expressed its heartfelt condolences to residents and families affected by the recent devastating floods in Accra, describing the incident as a painful reminder of Ghana's growing environmental and sanitation challenges.

In a statement issued on its behalf, the Institute extended sympathy to victims who have suffered property loss, displacement, and disruptions to their livelihoods as a result of the flooding.

"We are deeply saddened by the scale of destruction caused by the recent floods in Accra. Our thoughts and prayers are with all affected families. Ghana continues to lose valuable lives and resources to what has become a recurring environmental crisis," the statement said.

The Institute stressed that while heavy rainfall may be inevitable, the severity of flooding in urban areas is largely exacerbated by human activities, particularly indiscriminate waste disposal, encroachment on waterways, and weak enforcement of urban planning regulations.

It called on duty bearers at both the national and local levels to move beyond periodic responses to flooding and adopt decisive, sustained interventions aimed at preventing what it described as "annual ritual disasters."

"We can no longer treat flooding as an occasional emergency. It has become an annual ritual of destruction. Duty bearers must act decisively and consistently to enforce planning regulations, clear waterways, and strengthen sanitation systems," it emphasised.

The Institute further urged a national shift in attitudes and behaviour, warning that without a change in public mindset regarding waste disposal and environmental responsibility, the problem would persist.

"Behavioural and attitudinal change is critical. The habit of indiscriminate refuse disposal must be nipped in the bud. Citizens must recognise that sanitation is not only a government responsibility but a collective duty," the statement added.

It also called on religious bodies, particularly the Christian community, to take a leading role in environmental advocacy, public education, and support for enforcement efforts, noting that faith-based institutions wield significant influence in shaping public behaviour.

"The Church and other faith-based organisations must rise to the occasion. They have a moral responsibility to lead the campaign against building in waterways, illegal refuse dumping, and environmental neglect. Stewardship of the environment is a divine mandate," it stated.

The Frimpong-Manso Institute concluded by urging a coordinated national response involving government agencies, traditional authorities, civil society organisations, and citizens to protect lives and reduce Ghana's growing vulnerability to flooding.