NADMO Launches Desilting, Enforcement to Combat Urban Flooding
Heavy rainfall on May 17, 2025, caused severe flooding in Kumasi and Accra, with clogged drains and illegal structures exacerbating the crisis. The Aboabo storm drain in Kumasi overflowed, inundating homes due to years of neglected maintenance and silt buildup, reducing the drain depths.
The Ashanti Regional office of the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) initiated an emergency desilting campaign targeting 17 major drains in Kumasi, including Aboabo Palele, Airport Roundabout, and Anloga Junction. The operation aims to remove sand and debris to restore water flow.
NADMO Director Mohammed Nasir Ibrahim proposed long-term solutions, including expanding culverts, concrete lining, and reinforcing 200-meter drainage banks. The organization submitted these recommendations to the Hydrological Service for implementation to enhance flood resilience.
NADMO issued warnings against illegal constructions on waterways, promising strict enforcement. The agency appealed for private sector support to execute the desilting and infrastructure upgrades, aiming to mitigate flooding before the next major downpour.