The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has called on the government to take urgent and decisive steps to address the country’s recurring flooding problem, describing the annual destruction caused by floods as a national failure that can no longer be ignored.
In a statement issued on June 30, 2026, the Association expressed deep concern over the recent flooding that affected Accra, Tema and several other parts of the country following days of heavy rainfall.
UTAG extended its sympathies to families and individuals who suffered losses as a result of the floods, including those who lost loved ones, homes, businesses and sources of livelihood.
The Association also acknowledged the difficulties faced by workers, traders, students and commuters whose daily activities were disrupted by the severe weather conditions.
“We stand in solidarity with all affected persons and families, especially those who have suffered the loss of lives, shelter, property, livelihoods and personal security,” the statement said.
However, UTAG stressed that the recurring nature of flooding in Ghana, particularly in major urban centres, should no longer be viewed as a seasonal challenge but rather as a serious national problem requiring long-term solutions.
According to the Association, the repeated devastation caused by floods points to failures in planning, enforcement of regulations, environmental governance and infrastructure management.
“The recurrence of floods in Ghana is no longer a seasonal inconvenience to be managed with routine statements and temporary interventions. It is a grave national failure of planning, enforcement, environmental governance and infrastructure management,” UTAG noted.
The Association argued that year after year, lives and properties continue to be destroyed despite repeated warnings and promises of action, a situation it described as unacceptable.
UTAG is therefore urging the government to move beyond emergency responses and implement a comprehensive flood mitigation strategy capable of addressing the root causes of the problem.
The Association proposed a national agenda focused on strong political commitment, institutional accountability and measurable implementation of flood prevention measures.
Among the recommendations are the strict enforcement of planning regulations, expansion and redesign of drainage systems, regular desilting of drains, protection and restoration of wetlands, and the removal of structures built on waterways and flood-prone lands.
UTAG also called for substantial investment in resilient urban infrastructure that can withstand changing rainfall patterns and rapid urbanisation.
The Association expressed concern about the continued construction of buildings in waterways, wetlands and other environmentally sensitive areas, often with little resistance from regulatory authorities.
“It is deeply troubling that unauthorized developments continue to appear in waterways, flood plains and other ecologically sensitive zones, often with little or no effective institutional restraint. This culture of neglect and impunity must end,” the statement added.
The Association further called on public officials and institutions responsible for land use management, physical planning, drainage systems and building approvals to be held accountable whenever failures contribute to flooding.
Beyond government action, UTAG urged individuals, landlords, property developers and businesses to comply with planning regulations and environmental protection laws.
According to the Association, irresponsible land-use practices continue to worsen the impact of flooding and put lives at risk.
UTAG reminded the public that safeguarding lives, property and the environment is a shared responsibility that requires cooperation from all stakeholders.
As a body comprising academics and professionals from Ghana’s public universities, UTAG also offered its expertise to support efforts aimed at finding sustainable solutions to the flooding challenge.
The Association said it is prepared to contribute to evidence-based policymaking, technical assessments, public education and research-driven flood management strategies.
UTAG concluded by calling for immediate action from government, responsible conduct from citizens and a united national effort to bring an end to the persistent flooding that continues to affect communities across the country.
“The time has come for a coordinated national resolve to end the enduring shame of perennial flooding in our country,” the Association stated.