Ghana’s recent flooding—especially the devastating urban inundations in Accra, East Legon, Adenta, and other Greater Accra suburbs after the heavy May 18, 2025 rains, wreaked havoc on communities, claiming lives and displacing thousands. While climate change and infrastructure deficits are contributing factors, one overlooked but crucial solution lies in reviving local sanitation roles: town‑council sanitation officers.
Why These Officers Matter
A scientific study focusing on Kumasi and Tamale revealed that improper waste disposal—open dumping in gutter systems and channels—is a major driver of urban flooding. In fact, four out of five households admitted to dumping refuse indiscriminately. The result? Blocked drains, backed‑up waterways, and heightened flood risk.
For many Ghanaians who grew up with sanitation officers as part of town governance, these officials served as both educators and enforcers—walking the streets, ensuring that waste was properly bagged, disposed of, and taken to approved sites. Their presence instilled a sense of civic responsibility around sanitation. Without them, improper dumping has surged.
Floods and Sanitation: An Unavoidable Link
Ghana’s recurrent heavy rains—from April through mid‑June—routinely overwhelm poorly maintained drainage, especially where refuse accumulation is chronic. The May floods, driven by clogged gutters, mirrored earlier findings: even where drainage exists, public attitude and lack of oversight render it ineffective.
Once drains fail, flash floods spread into residential areas. The 2025 episode left four dead and more than 3,000 displaced. Aside from human suffering, it triggered health risks such as cholera, typhoid, and diarrhoea—diseases exacerbated by stagnant water contaminated with waste.
Council Officers: A Common‑Sense Solution
Reintroducing town council sanitation officers can immediately tackle the root of the problem:
- Routine monitoring and clearing of drains: Ensuring culverts and gutters are clear of debris before the rains.
- House‑to‑house advocacy: Reminding residents of correct waste disposal practices.
- Legal enforcement: Fining or sanctioning illegal dumpers or enforcing household waste protocols.
- Community mobilization: Organizing neighborhood cleanup days in partnership with assemblies and NADMO.
Such roles are low‑cost but high‑impact. They restore order and help shift public norms—showing that sanitation is a communal duty, not just a chore.
Lessons from the Past
Before structural municipal waste systems took hold, these officers were an informal backbone of community cleanliness. They educated children, enforced safe practices, and fostered shared ownership of streets and drains. The floods around Sakumono, Tema wetlands, and several Ramsar sites show that without proper stewardship—including waste management—flood resilience collapses.
A Call to Action
As Ghana rebuilds from its latest flood damage, it must address sanitation not only as a health issue but as a pillar of climate and urban resilience. Town councils and assemblies should:
- Re‑appoint sanitation officers with clear roles and training.
- Fund regular clean‑up campaigns, especially ahead of rainy seasons.
- Enforce bylaws on dumping with visible consequences.
- Engage local schools and traditional leaders to reinforce civic responsibility.
Restoring these local roles will not solve all flood‑related issues—but it’s a smart, proven, and urgent step toward reducing waste‑driven drain blockages, preventing avoidable flooding, and strengthening community resilience.
