“Our Investments Are Gone”: Ga Central Residents Hit the Streets Over Perennial Flooding, Demand Massive Drainage Overhaul

by Emmanuel Nii Abordai Amoo

Frustrated residents across the Ga Central Municipality, including Santa Maria and Sowutuom, took to the streets in a major protest today, demanding immediate, high-capacity drainage infrastructure after recent torrential rains submerged homes and destroyed lifelong property.

Protesters say the municipality’s existing infrastructure is utterly incapable of handling heavy downpours, leaving families to repeatedly rebuild their lives while authorities rely on ineffective, temporary fixes.

Disaster in the Living Room

For many in Santa Maria and Sowutuom, the latest deluge was a breaking point. Floodwaters invaded homes, destroying electronics, household items, and vehicles, with water levels reaching life-threatening heights in several properties.

“Most of us, our rooms were flooded even above my height level,” said one resident who has lived in the municipality for nearly three decades. “Your TVs, the properties that you’ve invested in for years, are almost gone. Engine blocks were completely submerged.”

Residents emphasized that after years of pleading with successive governments and local authorities, the persistent threat to their safety and livelihoods has gone unaddressed.

Source: Myjoyonline.com 

Unchecked Development Bending Waterways?

Beyond inadequate infrastructure, protesters pointed to recent land reclamation and construction projects as major catalysts for the escalating crisis.

Demonstrators alleged that a critical natural water channel in the area was recently filled in and built upon, bottlenecking runoff during heavy storms. Residents confirmed they have formally petitioned state investigative bodies, including the Auditor-General, to examine the development permits and environmental impact of the reclamation project.

A local representative noted that technical experts previously warned local authorities that ignoring natural water paths would trigger catastrophic flooding every time it rains.

Urgent Intervention Demanded

With additional heavy rains looming, residents across Santa Maria and Sowutuom warn that time has run out for political empty promises. Desperate to prevent further catastrophic property loss, the community is demanding immediate, high-capacity engineering interventions before the next downpour hits.

Community leaders emphasized that temporary dredging and superficial fixes will no longer suffice; only properly engineered, high-volume drainage networks will safeguard their families and livelihoods. Vowing not to back down, the residents declared they will intensify demonstrations and sustain public pressure until the Assembly delivers a permanent, concrete solution to the municipality’s defining crisis.