Every year around this time, the rains kick in and so Ghanaians are no stranger to flooding, yet still this natural phenomenon, with all its warnings, manage to catch the nation sleeping.
Almost on a yearly basis, devastations from floods across the country, especially Greater Accra and Greater Kumasi, are common place.
In such circumstances, it may seem convenient to blame nature for taking its course when tragic situations follow in its wake. However, it is also imperative to assess the preparedness or otherwise of the authorities as well as Ghanaians for this seasonal occurrence.
Impact of the rain, which leads to flooding can be very devastating, this natural phenomenon is taking its toll on the environment, leading to deaths and displacement of people and, in some cases, whole communities.
The roads are not left out, commuters have to endure long hours in traffic, because parts of the roads submerge in water and in some instances the whole road becomes unmotorable.
The reasons for the causes of flooding are not far-fetched; they include indiscriminate sitting of buildings on waterways, the mad rush for land reclamation without regard for environmental impact, deforestation, mindless excavation of land and the abuse of flood plains, roads are built without drainage and flood channels, and the abuse of the environment by those who will eventually pay the price for their improper attitude.
The answer to the problems of flood, especially in Ghana, in the view of this newspaper, entails an attitudinal change on the part of the government and people.
In the considered opinion of this newspaper, flooding is one natural disaster that foretells its occurrence. It behoves the people and the government agencies, working in concert, to mitigate its effect in places where it is not avoidable. Discipline and the right attitude are key in this effort.
