The Information Services Department (ISD) is educating and mobilising residents in Accra’s flood-prone areas on best practices for waste disposal, flood preparedness, and community resilience.
The campaign, which is in conjunction with the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) project, aims to mitigate the risk of flooding ahead of the rainy season.
Speaking at the Church of Pentecost at Mamobi on Sunday, the ISD Officer for Ayawaso North Municipality, Michael Yaw Frimpong, urged residents to avoid disposing of waste in gutters and drains, which he explained is a major cause of blockages that exacerbate flooding during heavy rains.
“Using designated waste bins and registered waste collection services, like the tricycle waste collectors popularly known as aboboyaa operators, is essential,” Mr Frimpong said.
He specifically called on waste collectors to transport waste responsibly to designated transfer stations.
Mr Frimpong also entreated community members to organise regular clean-up exercises to clear debris from clogged drains and also desist from building in waterways, noting that such activities obstruct natural water flow and intensify flooding hazards.
“Secure permits from local authorities before embarking on any construction projects,” he advised.
The ISD officer also encouraged residents to adopt planting grasses on their compounds rather than cementing them entirely as vegetation helps absorb rainwater and reduces runoff.
“When residents, local authorities and organisations work together, we can create a safer, cleaner and more resilient environment for everyone,” he stated.
Margaret Adjeley Sowah, ISD