The Tema West Municipal Assembly (TWMA) has urged property owners within the municipality to allocate between 20 and 30% of their land to vegetation as part of efforts to reduce flooding and improve environmental resilience.
The Works Engineer of the Assembly, Richard Ben Debrah, said the recommendation forms part of a broader climate adaptation and flood control strategy aimed at reducing surface runoff and strengthening natural water absorption systems.
Speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Mr Debrah explained that increasing rainfall intensity linked to climate change has made it necessary for residents to incorporate green spaces into their property developments to help manage excess stormwater.
According to him, vegetation plays a critical role in retaining water on-site, thereby reducing the volume of runoff that enters drains and overburdens existing drainage infrastructure during heavy rainfall.
“Due to changing weather patterns and increasing rainfall intensity, residents should allocate a portion of their land to trees and vegetation. This helps retain water on-site and reduces the amount of runoff entering our streets and drainage systems,” he said.
Mr Debrah added that the Assembly is complementing the greening initiative with engineering interventions, including the deployment of District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP) equipment to improve road quality and enhance drainage infrastructure across the municipality.
He further indicated that the Assembly, using its Internally Generated Fund (IGF), has undertaken dredging works in drains and Ramsar areas ahead of the rainy season to ensure uninterrupted flow of stormwater.
“Our primary focus is on engineering efforts that will help prevent flooding within the municipality. We have carried out dredging exercises in drains and Ramsar sites before the onset of heavy rains to keep water channels clear and functional,” he stated.
The Works Engineer also raised concern about encroachment on wetlands and Ramsar sites, warning that such activities undermine their natural function as water retention zones and increase the risk of flooding in surrounding communities.
“Ramsar sites and wetlands serve as natural water retention areas. When people build on them, water has nowhere to go during heavy rainfall, resulting in flooding in low-lying communities,” he explained.
Mr Debrah further emphasised the importance of strict compliance with urban planning regulations, urging developers to obtain the necessary permits from the Assembly before commencing construction.
He said adherence to approved planning procedures allows the Assembly to properly regulate land use and ensure developments do not obstruct drainage systems or worsen flood risks.
“Citizens are encouraged to visit the Assembly to secure the appropriate permits before starting any development. This allows us to ensure that the proposed location and construction materials are suitable and will not interfere with public drainage systems,” he noted.
He also appealed to residents to support flood prevention efforts by keeping drains clean and preserving vegetation, stressing that community participation remains essential to building a flood-resilient municipality.
“We all have a role to play. Keeping drains clean and preserving vegetation are simple but effective ways of ensuring that our communities remain safe and flood-free,” he added.
