Building on wetlands worsening urban flooding – Deputy Minister Designate warns

The Deputy Minister Designate for Works and Housing, Gizella Tetteh-Agbotui, has expressed deep concern over the increasing construction of buildings on wetlands, which she says has significantly contributed to excessive flooding in urban areas, particularly in the Greater Accra Region.

"There are so many built-up areas in the country. Nowadays, when we even build our houses, we don't want to leave much grass unless we have larger spaces, we pave it, and the water always finds its level. It will run off somewhere and have to be collected somewhere."

Speaking during her vetting before the Appointments Committee, Ms. Tetteh-Agbotui stressed the need for a shift in mindset regarding construction practices, particularly the growing trend of building on wetlands, which disrupts natural drainage systems and leads to severe flooding.

"Little interventions that everybody paves their little square, putting it together as a composite, there is too much runoff. There is a lot of building in areas that should have been reserved, such as the wetlands. They act as a natural basin to hold excessive water and then slowly percolate into the ground. Even wetlands are being built on," she observed.

Ms. Tetteh-Agbotui further noted that retention ponds and green spaces, which play a crucial role in absorbing excess water and recharging underground reserves, are also being encroached upon—not only in Accra but across many urban areas.

"Together with my Minister, we will do the best that we can, but having mechanisms to control flooding is a continuous process, and every government will have to do their part up to a certain point," she explained.

She also acknowledged the financial constraints associated with flood prevention, stating that large-scale drainage projects require substantial capital investment.

While solving all the issues at once may not be feasible, she emphasised the need to prioritise critical areas and revise building practices to mitigate the impact of urban flooding.