Ashaiman:The Municipal Chief Executive of Ashaiman, Freeman Tsekpo, has called on the Ministry of Works and Housing to upgrade the Gbemi Storm Drain into a modern drainage system to address the persistent flooding issues affecting the municipality.
According to Ghana Web, Tsekpo highlighted that the current drain, managed by the Hydrological Services Department of the Ministry, is outdated and urgently needs reconstruction to effectively manage stormwater and prevent flooding incidents. He explained that while the Assembly has made numerous appeals through letters, meetings, and lobbying for the drain's construction, the primary obstacle is funding, as such projects fall under the Ministry's jurisdiction.
Tsekpo emphasized that the Hydrological Services Department is responsible for managing natural water bodies, making the central government accountable for the Gbemi Storm Drain's construction. He reiterated the Assembly's ongoing appeals for the drain's modernization, noting its age and the necessity for an upgrade rather than leaving it in its current state.
Ashaiman has experienced significant flooding in the past, with major incidents in 2010 and 2018, and a relatively minor one between 2020 and 2024. The MCE attributed the absence of flooding during the June 2025-2026 rains to extensive dredging and desilting around the Adjei-Kojo area, a key drain exit point. However, he stressed that annual desilting is only a temporary measure, and a permanent solution is needed.
Tsekpo made his appeal during the National Sanitation Day, which the Ashaiman Municipal Assembly observed along with communities nationwide. He expressed concern over residents dumping refuse into the storm drain, warning that such practices could undermine flood prevention efforts.
The MCE announced plans to install a satellite monitoring system at the drain site to oversee activities and deter residents from reverting to improper waste disposal practices after the clean-up exercise.