Ghana News
Trust the Experts: Ghana Engineers Lay Out Flood Prevention Roadmap
The Ghana Institution of Engineering says the country has all the technical knowledge it needs — what’s lacking is the will to act.
ACCRA — As floodwaters recede across Ghana’s capital, revealing a trail of devastation that has claimed at least 12 lives, displaced thousands and reduced homes and businesses to muddy ruins, the country’s top engineers have issued an urgent and detailed roadmap to break the cycle of perennial flooding.
In a comprehensive position statement released on June 30, the Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE) said Ghana possesses sufficient technical expertise to solve its flooding crisis — the real challenge is the failure to implement well-established solutions.
“Ghana does not have a knowledge problem. We have an action problem,” the engineers declared. “We are simply choosing, year after year, not to change.”
The Diagnosis: A Structural Crisis, Not Seasonal
The GhIE’s policy brief pulls no punches. It warns that Ghana’s current drainage systems are “no longer capable” of addressing the realities of rapid urbanisation, climate variability and increasing flood risks. The problem, the engineers say, is systemic.
“Flooding in Accra is no longer simply a seasonal occurrence,” the policy brief states. “It is increasingly becoming a structural challenge driven by rapid urbanisation, loss of natural infiltration areas, and fragmented management systems”.
The engineers note that flooding has become more frequent and severe over the past decade, occurring even during periods of relatively low rainfall — evidence that the problem extends well beyond climate change. Many drains have effectively become conduits for solid waste, sharply reducing their capacity. The Odaw-Korle drainage system, in particular, continues to suffer from hydraulic constraints that drive recurring flood events across the capital.
Institutional fragmentation compounds the crisis. Responsibilities for drainage and flood control are scattered across multiple agencies, while administrative boundaries frequently fail to align with natural drainage basins — a mismatch that makes coordinated, catchment-wide planning nearly impossible.
The Roadmap: A 19-Point Plan for Action
To avert future disasters, the GhIE has proposed a comprehensive package of 19 measures spanning immediate, medium and long-term actions.
Immediate Actions
The engineers call for emergency responders to remain deployed at the worst-hit locations — including the Tetteh Quashie and Spintex underpasses, Weija, Mallam, the N1 and Kasoa corridor, Achimota, Abofu, Odawna, Adabraka, Kaneshie and Madina — to continue rescue operations and account for the missing.
The Electricity Company of Ghana and GRIDCo are urged to switch off power in flooded zones to prevent electrocution, while the fire service should be positioned near markets where flood and fire now arrive together.
Excavators and desilting crews should be dispatched immediately to clear the Odaw and Korle system’s bottlenecks, particularly the Odaw outfall, which continues to back water up into the city.
“With more rain forecast within the day, every metre of cleared drain matters,” the engineers warned.
Medium-Term Interventions

The GhIE recommends that waste collection services be restored to a dependable schedule in every community, so that households are not forced to choose between costly informal collectors and the nearest gutter. Sanitation by-laws must be enforced strictly.
The Department of Urban Roads and the Ghana Highway Authority should be formally integrated into the flood response strategy. All roadside drains and culverts in flood-prone areas should be audited, rehabilitated and routinely maintained.
“Every new road project must incorporate functional drainage infrastructure backed by dedicated maintenance budgets,” the engineers insist. “A road built without a working drain is just a future flood channel”.
Long-Term Reforms
At the policy level, the GhIE is calling for a fundamental shift in how Ghana approaches stormwater management. The Institution is advocating a transition from traditional centralised, conveyance-based drainage systems to decentralised, nature-based solutions that mimic natural hydrological processes.
Recommended interventions include:
- Permeable pavements
- Bioswales and rain gardens
- Green roofs
- Detention and retention systems
- Infiltration facilities
- Riparian buffers
- Rainwater harvesting
The Institution is also calling for:
- A National Post-Development Runoff Control Policy to ensure that new developments do not generate runoff volumes and peak flows beyond pre-development conditions
- A National Rainwater Harvesting Policy
- Stronger enforcement of land-use regulations, including halting construction on waterways and wetlands
- Catchment-based planning units with authority to coordinate the numerous agencies responsible for stormwater management
- Protection of waterway buffer zones
- Greater private-sector participation in green infrastructure development
A Warning on Development
Perhaps the GhIE’s most pointed message is directed at unchecked development. The engineers call for a halt to construction on waterways and wetlands, and the removal of illegal structures obstructing major drains.
“Stop building in the wrong places, and mean it,” the engineers urged. “This is the hardest step, because it touches powerful interests and uncomfortable permits. It is also the one that matters most, because no amount of engineering can save a city that keeps building over its own rivers”.
The Benefits: Why Act Now?
According to the GhIE, adopting these measures could significantly reduce flood frequency and severity, improve water quality, lower long-term infrastructure costs, create green jobs, and strengthen Ghana’s resilience to climate change.
The recommendations align with global best practices in sustainable urban drainage and support the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).
The Bottom Line
“The evidence is clear,” the report concludes. “Ghana must shift from downstream, conveyance-based engineering to upstream, decentralised, nature-mimicking stormwater management. The time for policy reform is now”.
The GhIE has also announced plans to closely monitor government commitments on infrastructure projects, particularly those aimed at addressing flooding.
“We are going to monitor government’s infrastructure promises, especially those relating to drainage and flood control projects, to ensure they are properly implemented,” the Institution said.
For the thousands of Ghanaians who lost homes, livelihoods and loved ones in the June 29 floods, the engineers’ message is clear: the solutions exist. What is needed now is the political will to implement them.
Ghana News
American Expats in Ghana Get a Helping Hand to Vote in 2026 U.S. Midterm Elections
With the 2026 U.S. midterm elections fast approaching, American citizens living in Ghana are receiving a timely boost to ensure their voices are heard from thousands of miles away.
The Vote from Abroad Team in Ghana is set to host a specialized voter registration and assistance event this weekend, designed to navigate the complexities of overseas voting.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, August 29, at 2:00 PM (Ghana time) at Theia’s Coffee House in the Airport Residential Area of Accra. Volunteers will be on the ground to provide trained assistance, guiding participants through the process of registering to vote and requesting their absentee ballots. The organizers have set a goal to register at least 50 new overseas voters in a single afternoon.
“This is a crucial opportunity,” said Lenny Baer, a volunteer with the Vote from Abroad Team in Ghana. “Many US citizens often don’t realize they can vote from overseas. We can, and our votes help determine the outcome of elections across the US.”
Why This Outreach Matters
This initiative is part of a broader effort by Democrats Abroad, the official arm of the Democratic Party representing Americans living outside the United States . The organization operates a volunteer-run network with chapters on six continents, working to protect the voting rights of the estimated 9 million Americans living abroad .
While the event is hosted by Democrats Abroad, the organizers emphasize that it is open to all U.S. citizens living in Ghana, irrespective of political party affiliation . This nonpartisan approach to voter assistance is a core tenant of the organization’s mission, reflecting their commitment to helping any American facing voting challenges . Through their platform, VoteFromAbroad.org, they provide a public service that helps citizens register and participate in elections regardless of their political leanings .
Midterm elections historically see lower voter turnout than presidential elections, particularly among overseas voters who often face bureaucratic hurdles or are simply unaware of their eligibility . With all 435 House seats and approximately 36 Senate seats up for grabs in 2026, every single vote—including those from Accra—holds the potential to tip the balance of power in Congress .
How to Participate
For those unable to attend the event in person, organizers have confirmed that a virtual session will be held simultaneously . Interested voters can RSVP through the VoteFromAbroad.org platform to receive the online meeting link and receive the same level of one-on-one assistance in completing their ballot request forms.
Trained voting assistants will also be available to answer questions, help participants complete their Federal Post Card Application (FPCA)—the standard federal form needed to request a ballot—and ensure that their voting rights are protected .
For Americans in Ghana, this Saturday’s event is more than just a registration drive; it is a critical lifeline to the democratic process back home, ensuring that their geographic distance does not translate into political silence.
Ghana News
Top Headlines from Ghanaian Newspapers: Monday, August 24, 2026
Monday, August 24, 2026 – Ghana’s front pages are dominated by a fierce political standoff over GoldBod’s massive financial losses, a significant government U-turn granting a lifeline to Adamus Resources, and a highly competitive race for NPP national executive positions ahead of the 2028 elections.
1. The GoldBod $1.7bn Loss Saga: War of Words Escalates
The Minority in Parliament is refusing to back down on the GoldBod losses, while the state gold company’s CEO faces intense scrutiny.
- “No Distraction: Afenyo-Markin, Minority Sustain Heat …On $1.7bn Gold Loss” (Day Break), with The Daily Statesman stating “PERSONAL ATTACKS WON’T DISTRACT US.”
- The Source reports “Sammy Gyamfi’s Extortion Claim False – Afenyo-Markin,” while The Inquisitor and The Daily Gist note the Minority Leader is “Threatening Legal Action” over the allegation.
- The Informer headlines “Minority Hauls GoldBod CEO Before Parliament” over the controversy.
- NewsCentra digs into the numbers, reporting “GH¢29.1bn Gold Losses In 4 Years – The role of GoldBod and BoG explained,” while The Custodian leads with “Minority Vows To Probe GH¢22bn Gold Trading Loss.”
2. Mahama Intervenes: The Adamus U-Turn
President John Dramani Mahama has stepped into the heated standoff between the Lands Ministry and Adamus Resources, granting the mining giant a 12-month reprieve.
- Daily Democrat and The Insight lead with “Mahama Rescues Adamus Resources” / “Gives Adamus Reprieve.”
- The Daily Banner and The Ghanaian Publisher frame this as a “Government Flip-Flop Questioned” or a “U-Turn.”
- The Informer reports the President “Gives Company Amnesty To Operate Under New Arrangement.”
3. NPP Internal Elections: 50 Battle for Top Posts
The race for the NPP’s national executive positions is officially underway, drawing a massive field of candidates.
- Daily Guide reports “50 Battle For NPP Top Posts,” while The Source and NewsCentra note “50 Aspirants Chase 11 Positions.”
- The Chronicle and The Daily Gist report “Afoko Files Chairmanship Papers Morrow” (Tuesday).
- In the Communications Director race, Daily Analyst and The Source report “Gordon Asare-Bediako withdraws from NPP Communications Race …Endorses Dennis Miracles Aboagye.”
- Republic Press highlights the upcoming internal vote with “50 Battle For NPP National Executive Posts.”
4. Galamsey, Security, and Public Health
- Daily Analyst leads with a tragic report: “Kakum Forest Reserve Wildlife Guard Shot Dead.”
- The Daily Statesman reports “Galamsey destroys over 100 acres of farmland,” while The Informer quotes the Interior Minister vowing to “Get Tough!” on illegal mining.
- On the health front, Daily Analyst and The Exclusive report Ghana’s plan to “Reverse 70% Medicine Imports Through 24-Hour Economy,” while Daily Democrat notes a “GMTF, Atlantic Lifesciences Partner to Cut Drug Costs.”
5. Economy, Banking, and Tax
- Graphic Business leads with a major fiscal milestone: “Ghana now spends less than 20% on servicing debt.” This is supported by The Custodian, which reports “Ghana Signs €163m Debt Restructuring Deal With Belgium.”
- B&FT highlights “Gov’t weighs lifting grain export ban …amid 70,000mt rice glut.” The paper also reports “Robust investor confidence in economy returns …local investments hit US$816m, FDIs US$2.62bn.”
- Graphic Business also flags the “23 banks, one dollar, many prices” phenomenon, exposing varying FX costs across banks.
6. Judicial and Political Fallout
- Republic Press reports the “Supreme Court clears way for legal vacation criminal trials …Dismisses Oppong Nkrumah’s injunction bid,” a ruling also confirmed by Daily Guide.
- The Daily Gist reports a tragic cross-border incident: “Man Drowns While Helping Travellers Cross Ghana-Togo River.”
Ghana News
Ghanaian Firms Inject €425,000 of Own Funds to Ignite ‘Made in Ghana’ Health Innovation
In a powerful demonstration of local ownership, Ghanaian research institutions and pharmaceutical manufacturers are contributing an additional €425,000 of their own money to implement innovative health projects, signaling a robust commitment to advancing homegrown medical solutions beyond relying on foreign aid alone.
The co-funding is part of a €2 million grant package awarded under the PharmaVax Ghana program, backed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the European Union (EU).
The initiative is designed to bridge the critical gap between scientific discovery and industrial-scale manufacturing within Ghana.
While the grants provide vital financial fuel, the local co-investment—which ranges from €10,000 to €150,000 across the eight winning projects—represents a crucial “skin in the game” approach.
It shows that local institutions are not merely passive recipients of aid, but active stakeholders willing to risk their own capital to bring products to the market. This practical commitment underscores the sustainability of the projects, ensuring they are not abandoned once international funding cycles end.

The projects span a wide range of medical priorities, including fast-dissolving oral tablets for child-friendly malaria treatment, AI-powered diagnostic tools for Mpox and malaria, standardized herbal treatments for hypertension and liver disease, and stability data for locally produced tetanus-diphtheria vaccines.

Highlighting the importance of this local participation, Dr. Sodzi Sodzi-Tettey, Chief Executive Officer of the National Vaccine Institute (NVI), emphasized that the funds are meant to catalyze local capabilities.
“Ghana has the scientific talent, the research institutions and an increasingly capable pharmaceutical industry to develop health solutions that respond to our own priorities,” he stated. “By bringing these strengths together, we are creating the foundation for medicines and vaccines that are developed in Ghana, manufactured in Ghana, and have the potential to benefit the wider region.”
Ghana’s Minister of Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, echoed this sentiment, noting that the initiative marks a journey where researchers and manufacturers collaborate to transform scientific discoveries into life-saving products.
The €425,000 in local contributions—combined with the €2 million in grants and technical assistance from the EU and Germany—positions Ghana as a rising hub for pharmaceutical industrialization in West Africa, moving the nation closer to health security and economic self-reliance.
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