{
  "id": 3190074,
  "title": "Work begins to reclaim Lafa basin to curb flooding in Mallam, Weija",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/25/work-begins-to-reclaim-lafa-basin-to-curb-flooding-in-mallam-weija",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-25T04:29:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/work-begins-to-reclaim-lafa-basin-to-curb-flooding-in-mallam-weija/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A massive project has begun to restore the Lafa water retention basin in Mallam, aimed at reducing flooding in nearby communities. The Ghana Armed Forces, specifically the 48 Engineer Regiment, are leading the effort, using heavy machinery to remove tons of compacted waste and dredge debris for transport to a landfill in Nsawam. The Post-Flood Mitigation Task Force, headed by Deputy Chief of Staff Mr Stan Xoese Dogbe, is overseeing the operation, which includes demolishing illegal structures and buildings within the basin. The task, expected to last several weeks, is being carried out to prevent a recurrence of the devastating floods that hit Blue Lagoon, Mallam, Weija, and parts of Dansoman during heavy rains on June 29. The Head of Drainage at the Ghana Hydrological Authority, Mr Richard Kofi Amekor, highlighted the challenge of clearing the solid waste, noting that years of illegal dumping and land encroachment have severely silted the basin. He assured that once the excavation is complete, the natural state of the basin will be restored to handle significant rainfall, reducing the risk of flooding. The basin, which originates from Mallam-Gbawe Zero, flows through various communities before discharging into the sea. The ongoing project aims to mitigate the impact of future floods and is open to collaboration with the private sector.",
  "summary": "A major operation has commenced to reclaim the Lafa water retention basin in Mallam, following years of illegal solid waste dumping and encroachment that severely silted the natural reservoir and triggered devastating flooding in surrounding communities.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "3News",
        "title": "Work begins to reclaim Lafa basin to curb flooding in Mallam, Weija, and surrounding areas.",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/24/work-begins-to-reclaim-lafa-basin-to-curb-flooding-in-mallam-weija",
        "published": "2026-08-24T08:08:14.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "GBC Ghana",
        "title": "Work begins to reclaim Lafa Basin to curb flooding in Mallam, Weija and surrounding areas",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/24/work-begins-to-reclaim-lafa-basin-to-curb-flooding-in-mallam-weija-3015958",
        "published": "2026-08-24T11:59:50.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
        "title": "Work begins to reclaim Lafa basin to reduce flooding in Mallam, Weija and surrounding areas",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/24/work-begins-to-reclaim-lafa-basin-to-reduce-flooding-in-mallam-weija",
        "published": "2026-08-24T12:09:43.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}