Accra Flooding Is a Governance Failure, Not Just Rainfall — Prof. Chris Gordon

#ChannelOneTV #ChannelOneNews #GhanaNews #AccraFlooding #UrbanPlanning #ClimateChange #Drainage #Governance Environmental scientist Prof. Chris Gordon has described the recurring flooding in Accra as a governance and urban planning failure rather than simply a result of heavy rainfall. Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, he argued that the city’s flooding challenges stem from weak enforcement of planning regulations, uncontrolled development, and the loss of natural drainage systems. He noted that although Accra has a population far smaller than cities such as Tokyo, it continues to struggle with flooding due to poor urban discipline and inadequate spatial planning. According to him, rapid construction on wetlands and the widespread sealing of land with concrete has worsened runoff, with some underground structures now effectively turning into “swimming pools” during heavy rains. Prof. Gordon further highlighted international examples where countries have relocated or decentralised capital functions to ease pressure on major cities, suggesting that Ghana may need to consider similar long-term planning strategies. He warned that continued concentration of economic and administrative activities in the capital, combined with weak enforcement of planning laws, will further increase vulnerability to climate-related shocks. Follow us: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/CitiTVGH/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/CitiTVGH Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cititvgh/ Website: http://cititvonline.com/