A lecturer at the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD), Dr. Owusu Fordjour Aidoo, has warned that Ghana’s recurring flooding crisis could worsen unless authorities take stronger action against indiscriminate waste disposal.
According to him, the continuous dumping of plastic waste and other refuse into drains, streams and waterways remains a major contributor to flooding, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Kumasi, Dr. Aidoo called on government, local authorities and traditional leaders to introduce and enforce stricter penalties for people who engage in improper waste disposal.
He argued that existing sanitation regulations have failed to deter offenders, as many people continue to dump refuse in drainage systems, open spaces and water bodies despite the dangers associated with the practice.
“Weather experts have indicated that the rain has not stopped and more heavy rain is coming. It is therefore important for the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies, as well as traditional leaders to help institute stringent measures to punish those who dump refuse indiscriminately,” he said.
The environmental expert proposed tougher sanctions, including increased fines, community service and prosecution where necessary, stressing that effective enforcement would discourage irresponsible sanitation practices.
Dr. Aidoo explained that plastic waste poses a serious environmental challenge because it does not easily break down, causing it to accumulate in drains and reduce their ability to carry rainwater.
He noted that clogged drainage systems increase the risk of flooding, leading to property destruction, health concerns and economic losses for affected communities.
Beyond enforcement, the lecturer called for intensified public education on sanitation, urging the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) to lead campaigns aimed at changing attitudes towards waste management.
He also appealed to Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies to improve waste management systems by providing more refuse bins in communities, markets, transport terminals and other public areas.
Regular waste collection, routine desilting of drains and the introduction of recycling programmes, he said, would help reduce the amount of plastic waste entering the environment.
Dr. Aidoo further encouraged greater community involvement through clean-up exercises, neighbourhood monitoring and collective responsibility in maintaining clean surroundings.
“We must be each other’s keeper,” he said, emphasising that tackling Ghana’s sanitation and flooding challenges requires a joint effort between citizens and authorities.
