Ahmed-Rufai Bolas Calls for Action to Enhance Drainage Systems
Following devastating floods in Accra on May 18, 2025, Ahmed-Rufai Bolas, NADMO’s Deputy Director in Charge of Technical, called for demolitions to improve drainage systems. The heavy rainfall overwhelmed communities, submerging homes and causing significant property damage, highlighting the city’s inadequate drainage infrastructure.
During a May 19 visit to affected areas, NADMO officials observed residents bailing water from homes, with floodwaters so severe that boats were nearly needed. Bolas criticized poorly designed drainage, noting structures like low concrete slabs that block water flow, exacerbating flooding. He urged the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) to remove such obstructions to mitigate future risks.
Residents expressed frustration, echoing NADMO’s concerns about drainage failures. The call for demolitions aligns with past proposals, including President Akufo-Addo’s 2022 directive to clear illegal structures on waterways, though NADMO lacks direct authority to act. Challenges like unregulated construction and waste dumping persist, fueling Accra’s perennial flooding crisis.
Bolas’ proposal reflects a broader push for structural reforms, as seen in initiatives like the GARID Project, aimed at enhancing flood resilience in the Odaw Basin. However, critics argue demolitions alone won’t suffice without addressing urban planning and sanitation issues, raising concerns about displacement and enforcement feasibility.
