Military steps up dredging, lagoon restoration efforts across Accra

The Ghana Armed Forces has ramped up sanitation, dredging and environmental restoration projects across the Greater Accra Region to enhance drainage systems and revive essential flood retention facilities. Brigadier General Richard Kinney, head of the 15 Engineer Brigade, revealed the military's multi-pronged initiative, which includes the removal of illegal constructions, waste elimination, and restoration of water bodies in various parts of the capital.

Speaking at a Government Accountability Series event, Kinney highlighted recurring flooding in Accra during heavy rainfall, which is often attributed to insufficient drainage capacity, unauthorized waste disposal, and clogged drains. Over the years, government agencies and metropolitan, municipal, and district assemblies have carried out periodic dredging and silt removal to boost stormwater flow and diminish flood risks in low-lying neighborhoods.

Retention ponds and lagoons play a crucial role in the region's flood management system, as they store surplus runoff during intense rains. However, many of these structures have been compromised by urban growth, unauthorized waste dumping, and unauthorized developments. Kinney reported that the Army had already demolished structures and commenced dredging at the Tessa Dam on Boundary Road to enhance water retention abilities and drainage flow.

Dredging operations have also been finalized at Oyarifa, with machinery being transferred to Abokobi and Teiman for comparable works on retention ponds in those communities. The Army will subsequently focus on the Damfa area in the La Nkwatanang Madina Municipality, where they will work on a major retention pond to reinforce flood mitigation infrastructure.

Kinney emphasized that substantial focus is currently directed towards the Lafa Basin retention pond at Mallam, where the military is eliminating substantial amounts of solid waste deposited within the facility. Portions of the retention area have been filled with waste materials, covered, and compacted, allegedly with the intention of converting the site for other purposes.

Excavation works have started at the site, with the waste being transported to Nsawam for disposal. Kinney explained that the operation would run around the clock, with excavations and stockpiling carried out during daylight hours and haulage operations conducted at night to utilize lighter traffic conditions. About 20 heavy-duty trucks will be employed to transport excavated materials from Mallam to Nsawam.

Beyond Mallam, Kinney disclosed that the sanitation campaign would expand to the Kpeshie Lagoon area at Laboma, where certain sections of the lagoon have reportedly been filled with waste and encroached upon. The intervention will involve the removal of deposited materials and the restoration of affected wetland ecosystem sections, in collaboration with relevant state agencies.

Efforts will be made to restore mangrove vegetation in the area, Kinney added. The subsequent phase of the operation will cover the Sango Lagoon between Teshie and Nungua, another vital retention area slated for restoration works. Kinney stated that the ongoing initiatives form part of a larger endeavor to safeguard drainage infrastructure, reclaim ecologically sensitive zones, and improve environmental sanitation across the Greater Accra Region.

Authorities have issued notices to occupants in affected areas and are implementing enforcement measures where necessary to facilitate the restoration tasks. Those seeking compensation for affected properties have been asked to provide documentation to establish ownership claims, Kinney said, adding that no such documents had been submitted to the authorities thus far.