The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), in partnership with The Or Foundation and Kantamanto Obroni Wawu Business Association (KOBA), has begun an extensive desilting operation on the Okai Kwei Road storm drain in Kantamanto, aimed at addressing chronic flooding and improving sanitation in the busy commercial district.
The ongoing exercise, which started over the weekend, is part of a broader initiative to strengthen urban resilience in one of Accra’s most densely populated trading areas.
A total of 154 waste workers from Tide Turners and the June 4 Task Force have been deployed to carry out the operation. Teams are accessing the underground drainage system through newly created entry points to remove years of accumulated waste.
Within the first 12 hours of work, approximately 400 metres of the heavily clogged drain had been cleared. So far, about 60 tonnes of waste, including plastic, silt, and textile debris, have been removed, with an estimated 120 tonnes more expected as the exercise progresses.
The storm drain, which runs from Tema Station through Okai Kwei Road to the June 4 Market and eventually into the Korle Lagoon, had reportedly not undergone desilting since its construction. This has led to severe blockages and frequent flooding, even after minor rainfall.
Accra Mayor, Mr Michael Kpakpo Allotey, on Thursday reaffirmed the AMA’s commitment to working with key stakeholders to improve drainage infrastructure, sanitation, and flood resilience across the city.
Engineer Solomon Noi, Head of Waste Management at AMA, noted that the enclosed design of the drain with limited access points has historically made maintenance difficult. To address this, sections of the concrete covering are being broken to create additional entry points for manual cleaning.
He expressed confidence that the intervention will significantly improve water flow, reduce flooding, and safeguard lives, property, and economic activity in the area.
Engineer Noi also highlighted that beyond flood prevention, the collaboration with The Or Foundation supports the protection of livelihoods, particularly for traders involved in the second-hand clothing business.
The Environmental Field Operations Lead at The Or Foundation, David Akpablie, underscored the importance of the exercise, noting that blocked drains have long contributed to flooding and poor sanitation within the market.
Members of the June 4 Task Force reiterated their commitment to maintaining cleanliness in the market, while President of Tide Turners, Adokwei Brown, urged the public to stop dumping waste into drains, warning that such practices worsen flooding and environmental degradation.
The desilting effort marks a significant step toward restoring proper drainage and improving living and trading conditions in Kantamanto.
Faustina Naa Ayeley Johnson, ISD
