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Two persons were reportedly swept away while one other person was rescued after a devastating flood struck parts of Wassa Akropong and surrounding communities in the Wassa Amenfi East Municipality of the Western Region following a torrential rainstorm on Thursday.
The flooding, which residents say was worsened by illegal mining (galamsey) activities, silted waterways, and the construction of buildings on drainage channels, destroyed several properties and displaced many households.
Residents of Wassa Akropong have blamed the disaster on years of unchecked illegal mining activities and poor planning that have severely affected the area’s natural drainage system.
According to them, a heavy rainstorm that lasted for nearly five hours caused streams and drains to overflow, leading to widespread flooding in several communities.
The floodwaters swept through homes, shops, and roads, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake.
Eyewitnesses said two persons were carried away by the strong currents during the flooding, while one individual was successfully rescued by residents and emergency volunteers.
Search efforts were reportedly ongoing to locate the missing victims.
Affected residents disclosed that illegal mining activities in and around Wassa Akropong have resulted in the silting of rivers, streams, and drainage channels, reducing their capacity to contain large volumes of rainwater.
They explained that whenever there is a heavy downpour, the blocked waterways overflow and flood residential areas, causing extensive damage to lives and property.
Some community members also accused individuals and companies of constructing buildings on waterways and drainage paths, obstructing the natural flow of water and worsening the flood situation.
Speaking to the media, residents expressed disappointment in authorities for allegedly failing to enforce environmental and building regulations. They noted that several complaints and warnings regarding galamsey operations and unauthorized structures had not received the needed attention.
The floodwaters submerged dozens of homes and business establishments, destroying furniture, electrical appliances, clothing, food items, and other valuable possessions worth thousands of Ghana cedis.
Several families were forced to evacuate their homes as water levels continued to rise, while some residents spent hours attempting to salvage their belongings from the floodwaters.
Residents are therefore calling on the Wassa Amenfi East Municipal Assembly, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), and environmental agencies to immediately intervene to prevent future occurrences.
They are demanding the dredging and desilting of drains, strict action against illegal mining operators, and the demolition of structures erected on waterways.
According to them, if urgent measures are not taken, future rainstorms could lead to more severe disasters, including loss of lives and destruction of critical infrastructure within the municipality.
The affected residents also appealed to government and humanitarian organisations to provide relief items and support to victims who have lost their homes and properties.
In an interview with the media, an aspiring National Democratic Congress (NDC) Youth Organizer for the Wassa Amenfi East Constituency, Mr. Samuel Mensah, also called on authorities to take decisive action against structures obstructing waterways.
According to him, many buildings within the municipality have been erected on drainage channels, making it difficult for floodwaters to flow freely during heavy rains.
Mr. Mensah stressed that unless authorities enforce planning regulations and remove structures built on waterways, flooding will continue to pose a serious threat to residents.
He further urged government agencies to intensify efforts to combat illegal mining activities, which he said continue to damage the environment and contribute significantly to flooding in the area.
Story by Yaw Boagyan