Urban Flooding, Adaptation Strategies, and Resilience: Case Study of Accra, Ghana

Abstract

Despite massive flood controlling investments, perennial flooding continues to be a major challenge in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Assembly in Ghana. Previous studies have mostly considered the vulnerability of Accra to flooding induced by urbanization and climate change. This chapter examined the impacts of and adaptation strategies to flooding in two flood-prone residential areas in Accra. A survey was conducted among 320 household heads to ascertain local impacts of floods and community adaptation strategies. To obtain a broader picture of government interventions and challenges, key stakeholders such as personnel from ministries, departments, and agencies who are involved in city planning, and private urban planning consultants were interviewed. The study found that a notable driver of floods in Accra is blocked waterways, and flawed and ad hoc engineering works. About three-quarters of the households interviewed have suffered flood-related losses over the past decade such as housing damage, income, and even a death of a relative. Key flood control interventions included dredging prior to start of rains and sporadic demolition of unauthorized buildings on or near waterways to allow free flow of water. However, these interventions only seem to be ephemeral due to the rapid rate of littering and re-siltation of the waterways after few rain events. The study highlights the need for more pragmatic and robust engineering solutions to build resilience of Accra to floods.

Extreme Rainfall Events over Accra, Ghana, in Recent Years

“…The study area is urbanized and also noted for commercial fishing activities at the local, coastal communities. Accra is a low-lying coastal city and is mostly affected by flooding whenever it rains heavily (Appeaning-Addo, 2013; Owusu & Obour, 2021).…”

“…The World Bank Group (World Bank, 2017), described the 3 rd June 2015 rain disaster as the worst flood in recent history of Accra. Over 154 Ghanaians were reported to have been killed by the downpour and its associated fire that occurred in the city (Emmanuel, 2018;Owusu & Obour, 2021).…”

Review on Connecting the Complex Dots of Environmental Problems in Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA) of Ghana

“…Thus, ensuring institutions and individuals does not erect unauthorized and haphazard buildings, among other physical structures (in waterways, nature reserves, and floodplains) in unauthorized locations. The June 2020 floods were associated with devastating effects [52][53][54]. According to Mensah and Ahadzie [55] in a study entitled: "The causes, consequences, and coping methods of floods in Ghana", the leading cause of urban floods was poor urban designs as a result of rapid urbanization.…”