Santa Maria, Sowutuom Residents Protest Persistent Flooding, Demand Action

Residents of Santa Maria, Sowutuom and other communities in the Ga Central Municipality have demonstrated against persistent flooding, demanding urgent action to address the drainage challenges in the area.

The residents say recurring floods over the years have caused serious damage to homes, vehicles and household belongings, while previous interventions have failed to provide a permanent solution.

They said recent rains sent floodwaters into several homes, destroying televisions, household items and other property. Some vehicles were also affected, with residents reporting damage to car engines.

One resident, who has lived in the area for nearly 30 years, described the situation as a longstanding problem that successive governments and authorities have failed to resolve.

“Most of us, our rooms were flooded, even above my height level. Your TVs, the properties that you’ve invested in for years, are almost gone,” he said.

Residents demand improved drainage

The protesters are calling for larger, properly designed storm drains capable of carrying significant volumes of rainwater.

They argue that the existing drainage system is inadequate, causing floodwaters to spill onto roads and into homes whenever there is heavy rainfall.

Residents are also demanding a permanent solution instead of temporary measures introduced whenever flooding occurs.

Some protesters raised concerns about a development project in the area, alleging that the reclamation and filling of land may have disrupted natural waterways and contributed to the flooding.

One resident claimed that an area previously used as a water channel had been filled and subsequently developed. He, however, stressed that he was not an engineer and was relying on concerns reportedly raised by technical experts.

According to him, the matter has been brought to the attention of relevant state institutions, including the Auditor-General and other investigative bodies, for possible examination.

The protesters want authorities to investigate the drainage situation, identify the causes of the recurring floods and determine whether developments in the area have affected existing waterways.

They insist that the flooding should be treated as a development and infrastructure issue rather than a political matter.

Residents demand urgent intervention

Residents say they have endured the flooding for years and fear further destruction if urgent measures are not taken before the next heavy rains.

They are demanding properly engineered drainage infrastructure, improved water channels and a comprehensive plan to prevent floodwaters from entering homes and destroying property.

The protesters say they will continue pressing the authorities until a lasting solution is found.