Residents of Nyankrom in the Shama municipality of the Western region are demanding urgent and decisive policy interventions to tackle the recurring flooding that continues to disrupt lives and livelihoods in the community.
The latest incident follows two days of heavy rainfall, which left hundreds of homes submerged, displacing families and affecting several businesses. While the flooding has become a seasonal nightmare, residents say the real cause lies beyond the weather.
They accuse two ceramic manufacturing companies Twyford and Marcopolo of obstructing natural water channels during the construction of their facilities, leading to blocked drainage and widespread flooding whenever it rains.
Speaking with Opanyin Atta Kakra, a longtime resident of Nyankrom, he emphasized the importance of the main drainage system, describing it as the community’s lifeline during heavy rains
“I have lived here since 2007 and we never experienced flooding until 2012, when Twyford and Marcopolo began building their factories..their construction blocked the natural water path. Now, whenever it rains, the water can’t flow properly it ends up in our homes.” he bemoaned.
The persistent flooding has also stirred frustration among the youth in the community.
Mark Eshun, a youth activist, warned that should the situation persist they will stage a protest against both the companies and municipal authorities.
“Whenever it flood officials from the Assembly wil come and visit us they are aware it is these companies whose operations is causing the flood but they are not taking any steps…we will use legitimate means to drum home our demand should this continue” he warned.
Although the Shama Municipal Assembly reportedly carried out some desilting exercises ahead of the rainy season, residents insist that temporary measures are demanding for more.
They are calling for long-term solutions and strict enforcement of development regulations to prevent private companies from compromising the environment and public safety.
CSO urges gov’t to declare war on illegal activities fueling perennial flooding in Ghana
