Home | Goldstreet Business
Monday, May 19, 2025
  • Home
  • General News
    • Extractives
    • Auto
  • Business
    • Banking and Finance
    • AgriBusiness
    • Insurance
    • Mining
    • Oil and Gas
    • Real Estate/Housing
  • News
    • Top Stories
    • Agriculture
    • Maritime/Aviation
    • Energy
    • Education
    • Construction
  • Technology
    • ICT
    • Telecom
  • World
    • Africa
    • International
  • Editorial/Features
  • GSB Data Services
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • General News
    • Extractives
    • Auto
  • Business
    • Banking and Finance
    • AgriBusiness
    • Insurance
    • Mining
    • Oil and Gas
    • Real Estate/Housing
  • News
    • Top Stories
    • Agriculture
    • Maritime/Aviation
    • Energy
    • Education
    • Construction
  • Technology
    • ICT
    • Telecom
  • World
    • Africa
    • International
  • Editorial/Features
  • GSB Data Services
No Result
View All Result
Gold Business Logo
No Result
View All Result
Home Business Macroeconomic Bulletin

It’s still raining; is it still flooding?

August 29, 2022
in Macroeconomic Bulletin, Top Stories
0
It’s still raining; is it still flooding?
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Since immemorial, the people of Accra and its environs have constantly grappled with perennial flooding. Despite various interventions by national and local governments now and in the past, the situation persists to this day, exacting a heavy toll on livelihoods and property.

Flooding in Ghana is a topic that has been very extensively written about this  rainy season, but bear with me. As an agro-commodities trader, I need the rains but it’s August end and it’s still raining. We cannot start even start trading Shea Nut because the moisture content requirements keeps getting our schedule thrown off with the rains and the clouds and the humidity it brings with it.

RELATED POSTS

‘The fundamentals haven’t changed’ – Prof. Baah Boateng cautions against cedi hype

92.3% of businesses in Ghana remain informal – GSS

How do you dry tens of millions of kilos of an easily damped nut when it’s always cloudy, humid and/or rainy???

I vent. So I did some reading. Now I’m doing some writing. One other harsh effect of this sustained raining, aside throwing off my Shea Nut Season, is Flooding. But  why?

The effects of climate change on the flooding in Accra

Climate change is a global problem that is already having an impact on the environment and society. In Ghana, climate change is causing more extreme weather conditions such as floods and droughts. These extreme weather conditions are affecting the lives of people in Accra, the capital city of Ghana.

The effects of climate change on the flooding in Accra are evident. The most evident one occurred in June 2015, when heavy rains caused severe flooding in many parts of the city.

The floods affected over 200,000 people and caused widespread damage to property and infrastructure. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and severity of floods in Accra. (Abeka et al., 2019)

Several factors contribute to the flooding in Accra. The city is built on a low-lying coastal plain, which makes it susceptible to flooding from heavy rains and rising sea levels.

Climate change is also causing other problems in Accra, such as water shortages and food insecurity. The city’s population is growing rapidly, putting strain on the arguably limited resources. This will likely worsen in the future as climate change continues to impact the city.

The effects of climate change are evident with this increased frequency and severity of rains and of floods. This is likely to continue in the future, with devastating consequences for the people who live in the city.

Poor city planning and urbanization as the main causes of flooding

Climate change is not the only factor that is causing floods in Accra. Poor city planning and urbanization are also major contributors to the problem.

The city of Accra is growing rapidly, with the population expected to double by 2030. This rapid growth is putting a strain on the city’s infrastructure and resources.

The city’s infrastructure and drainage system also cannot cope with the increasing frequency and severity of floods. For example, the Accra drains cannot handle the large volumes of water that are now being released during storms. As a result, floods are becoming more common.

In addition, the way the city has been developed contributes to the problem. Many of the city’s buildings have been constructed without adequate drainage systems. Water can quickly build up around these buildings during storms, leading to flooding. (Amoako & Frimpong Boamah, 2014)

The effects of climate change are making the problem of flooding worse. If the issues of poor city planning and urbanization are not addressed, the city of Accra will continue to be at risk of flooding.

The lack of maintenance culture among residents and authorities is another key factor.

Another factor contributing to the flooding in Accra is the lack of maintenance culture among residents and authorities.

The city’s drainage system is not properly maintained, which means it cannot cope with the increased volume of water being released during storms. As a result, floods are becoming more common.

In addition, many of the city’s buildings are in disrepair. This means that they cannot stand the heavy rains and flooding that happen more frequently. The lack of maintenance also makes it difficult for the city to recover from floods.

The lack of maintenance culture among residents and authorities is a major factor in the flooding problem in Accra.

Deforestation and sand mining as the root causes of the floods

Deforestation and sand mining are two main activities that have been cited as the root causes of the floods that hit the city of Accra in June 2015. (Saviour, 2012)

These activities have led to a loss of vegetation cover and a decrease in the material available to act as a buffer against flooding. The city’s drainage system has become more vulnerable to flooding, as a result, leading to the disaster that occurred in June 2015.

The city of Accra is located in Ghana, on the Gulf of Guinea. It is the country’s capital and most populous city, with an estimated population of 4.6 million in 2019.

The June 2015 floods in Accra were caused by a heavy downpour that lasted several hours. The rains led to the city’s drainage system overflowing, which caused widespread flooding. (Clark, 1987)

In the wake of the floods, an investigation was launched to determine the root causes of the disaster. Deforestation and sand mining were identified as two of the main contributing factors.

Deforestation has led to a loss of vegetation cover in the city, which has, in turn, led to an increase in surface runoff during heavy rains. This has made it more difficult for the city’s drainage system to cope with large volumes of water, leading to flooding.

Sand mining has also been identified as a contributing factor to floods. Sand mining involves the removal of sand from river beds, beaches, and other areas. This sand is then used for construction purposes.

The removal of sand from river beds and other areas has decreased the amount of material available to act as a buffer against flooding. This has made the city’s drainage system more vulnerable to flooding during heavy rains.

Conclusion

Every year, the people of Accra are met with the devastating reality of flooding. The main causes of this perennial problem have been identified and solutions proposed, but to no avail. Several factors contribute to the annual flooding in Accra.

Poor urban planning and drainage systems, inadequate waste management, deforestation, and climate change play a role.

There is no one silver bullet solution to the problem of flooding in Accra. However, a combination of measures can be taken to mitigate its effects. These include better urban planning, improved drainage systems, reforestation, and education on climate change mitigation measures.

I hope you enjoyed the read. Hit me up and let’s keep the conversation going! I read all the feedback you send. Also, feel free to throw at me topics you’d like to read or hear my thoughts on. You can always head to my Calendly at calendly.com/maxwellampong or connect with me your own way through my Linktree: https://linktr.ee/themax.

Have a blessed week!

♕ —- ♕ —- ♕ —- ♕ —- ♕ —- ♕ —- ♕ —- ♕ —- ♕

References

Abeka, E., Asante, F., Laube, W., & Codjoe, S. (2019). Contested causes of flooding in poor urban areas in Accra, Ghana: an actor-oriented perspective. Environment, Development And Sustainability, 22(4), 3033-3049. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-019-00333-4

Amoako, C., & Frimpong Boamah, E. (2014). The three-dimensional causes of flooding in Accra, Ghana. International Journal Of Urban Sustainable Development, 7(1), 109-129. https://doi.org/10.1080/19463138.2014.984720

Clark, C. (1987). Deforestation and Floods. Environmental Conservation, 14(1), 67-69. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0376892900011127

Saviour, M. (2012). Soil and Sand Mining: Causes, Consequences and Management. IOSR Journal Of Pharmacy (IOSRPHR), 2(4), 01-06. https://doi.org/10.9790/3013-242016

♕ —- ♕ —- ♕ —- ♕ —- ♕ —- ♕ —- ♕ —- ♕ —- ♕

Dr. Maxwell Ampong is an Investment Strategist with Maxwell Investments Group (MIG). MIG has a disciplined approach towards executing ESG-centric Sustainability Development Models, engages in Local & International Trade of Agricultural Commodities, and Market-Acquisition Strategies. He writes about trending and relevant economic topics, and general perspective pieces
facebookShare on Facebook
TwitterTweet
Source: Maxwell Ampong
ShareTweetShare

Related Posts

‘The fundamentals haven’t changed’ – Prof. Baah Boateng cautions against cedi hype

‘The fundamentals haven’t changed’ – Prof. Baah Boateng cautions against cedi hype

May 9, 2025
92.3% of businesses in Ghana remain informal – GSS

92.3% of businesses in Ghana remain informal – GSS

April 3, 2025
‘No suspended projects in Ghana’ – World Bank clarifies

‘No suspended projects in Ghana’ – World Bank clarifies

April 3, 2025
Ghana remains important to us ‘no matter what’ – U.S ambassador

Ghana remains important to us ‘no matter what’ – U.S ambassador

April 3, 2025
Presidency hasn’t ordered NIB to investigate Akufo-Addo’s travels – Felix Kwakye Ofosu

Presidency hasn’t ordered NIB to investigate Akufo-Addo’s travels – Felix Kwakye Ofosu

March 28, 2025
Next Post
Government yet to settle ¢4.33bn public sector SSNIT contributions – 2021 Auditor-General’s Report

Government yet to settle ¢4.33bn public sector SSNIT contributions – 2021 Auditor-General’s Report

GoldStone Starts Drills Programme At Akrokeri In Ghana

GoldStone Starts Drills Programme At Akrokeri In Ghana

Archives

<
May 2025
  • May 2025
  • April 2025
  • March 2025
  • February 2025
  • January 2025
  • December 2024
  • November 2024
  • October 2024
  • August 2024
  • July 2024
  • June 2024
  • March 2024
  • February 2024
  • January 2024
  • December 2023
  • November 2023
  • October 2023
  • September 2023
  • August 2023
  • July 2023
  • June 2023
  • May 2023
  • April 2023
  • March 2023
  • February 2023
  • January 2023
  • December 2022
  • November 2022
  • October 2022
  • September 2022
  • August 2022
  • July 2022
  • June 2022
  • May 2022
  • April 2022
  • March 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • September 2021
  • August 2021
  • July 2021
  • June 2021
  • May 2021
  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
▼
>
MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
   1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
262728293031 
       
 123456
78910111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
282930    
       
     12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930
31      
     12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
2425262728  
       
  12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
2728293031  
       
      1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
3031     
    123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
252627282930 
       
 123456
78910111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
28293031   
       
   1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
262728293031 
       
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
293031    
       
     12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930
       
    123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
25262728293031
       
   1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
26272829   
       
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
293031    
       
    123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
25262728293031
       
  12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
27282930   
       
      1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
3031     
    123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
252627282930 
       
 123456
78910111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
28293031   
       
     12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930
31      
   1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
2627282930  
       
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
293031    
       
     12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930
       
  12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
2728293031  
       
  12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
2728     
       
      1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
3031     
   1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
262728293031 
       
 123456
78910111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
282930    
       
     12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930
31      
   1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
2627282930  
       
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
293031    
       
    123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
25262728293031
       
  12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
27282930   
       
      1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
3031     
    123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
252627282930 
       
 123456
78910111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
28293031   
       
 123456
78910111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
28      
       
     12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930
31      
  12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
2728293031  
       
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
2930     
       
    123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
25262728293031
       
  12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
27282930   
       
      1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
3031     
   1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
262728293031 
       
 123456
78910111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
282930    
       
     12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930
31      
   1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
2627282930  
       
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
293031    
       
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
       
       
    123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
25262728293031
       
 123456
78910111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
28293031   
       
      1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
30      
   1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
262728293031 
       
 123456
78910111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
282930    
       
     12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930
31      
  12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
2728293031  
       
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
2930     
       
    123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
25262728293031
       
  12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
27282930   
       
      1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
3031     
     12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
242526272829 
       
  12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
2728293031  
       
      1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
3031     
    123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
252627282930 
       
 123456
78910111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
28293031   
       
      1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
30      
   1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
262728293031 
       
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
293031    
       
     12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930
       
  12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
2728293031  
       
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
2930     
       
    123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
25262728293031
       
    123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
25262728   
       
 123456
78910111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
28293031   
       
     12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930
31      
   1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
2627282930  
       
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
293031    
       
     12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930
       
  12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
2728293031  
       
      1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
3031     
    123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
252627282930 
       
 123456
78910111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
28293031   
       
      1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
30      
   1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
262728293031 
       

RECOMMENDED

‘The fundamentals haven’t changed’ – Prof. Baah Boateng cautions against cedi hype

‘The fundamentals haven’t changed’ – Prof. Baah Boateng cautions against cedi hype

May 9, 2025
92.3% of businesses in Ghana remain informal – GSS

92.3% of businesses in Ghana remain informal – GSS

April 3, 2025

MOST VIEWED

Plugin Install : Popular Post Widget need JNews - View Counter to be installed
  • Energy
  • Health
  • Auto
  • International
  • Subscription Form
  • Staff Webmail
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
Call us: +233 24 432 0902 | info@goldstreetbusiness.com

© Copyright © 2020 goldstreetbusiness.com. All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Homepages
    • Homepage Layout 1
    • Homepage Layout 2
  • World
  • Business
  • Technology
  • Health

© Copyright © 2020 goldstreetbusiness.com. All Rights Reserved.

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Fill the forms bellow to register

All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.