A young man identified as N.K. Godfred tragically lost his life during a heavy downpour on Saturday evening in Kasoa’s Ironcity area, underscoring long-standing concerns about flooding and inadequate drainage infrastructure in the Awutu Senya East Municipality.
According to eyewitnesses, the victim, believed to be in his early thirties, was returning home from work when he fell into an open drain amid rising floodwaters. Residents said he ignored warnings and attempted to cross the swollen gutter, only to be swept away by the forceful current.
“He underestimated the situation. Some people tried to help, but the water was too strong,” a family member recounted to Channel One News.
His lifeless body was recovered the following day in another part of the Ironcity community.
The incident has reignited calls for urgent intervention to fix the area’s poorly planned drainage system. Residents blame years of neglect and stalled projects for the frequent flooding during rainstorms.
Kennedy Acheampong, Assemblyman for Ironcity-Dokutsekope, reiterated the community’s repeated appeals to authorities.
“We have a drainage problem in Ironcity. We’ve raised it repeatedly, but nothing has been done. We’re pleading with the MCE and authorities to act before more lives are lost,” he said.
Municipal NADMO Director, Nash Nyandey, acknowledged the problem and revealed that several unauthorised structures obstructing drainage paths had been identified. He assured that engineers would soon assess the area and recommend long-term solutions.
“We’ll bring engineers to assess the situation and implement measures to safeguard residents,” he noted.
Municipal Chief Executive, Seth Sabah Serwonoo Banini, issued a firm warning against building in waterways.
“We will not hesitate to pull down any building obstructing water flow. This is about protecting lives, not politics,” he stated.
The tragic loss has added to growing public outcry for decisive action to prevent future flood-related deaths in the municipality.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Hamdia Mohammed
