Residents and business operators along the Santasi–Ahenema Kokoben road have renewed calls for urgent government intervention to address persistent flooding that continues to threaten lives, destroy property, and damage critical infrastructure in the area.
The latest flooding incident, triggered by heavy rainfall, inundated sections of the road and surrounding communities, causing extensive damage to properties and businesses. Residents attributed the recurring floods to large volumes of rainwater flowing from upstream areas coupled with choked drainage channels resulting from human activities and indiscriminate waste disposal.
Speaking during a visit by the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Atwima Kwanwoma, Hon. Grace Agyemang Asamoah, the Chief Executive Officer of Midland Industries Ghana Limited, dealers in tiles, roofing sheets, food products and other building materials, Mr. Michael Adubofour, recounted the history of the flooding problem.
According to him, the first major flooding incident occurred in 2022 when investigations revealed that a retaining wall had been constructed on the upstream side of the road, obstructing the natural path of water flow. The obstruction diverted huge volumes of stormwater onto the road and nearby communities, resulting in a devastating flood that reportedly claimed about five lives, swept away vehicles, and caused significant destruction to properties.
Mr. Adubofour noted that the frightening experience served as a wake-up call for residents and businesses, prompting continuous appeals for the construction of a larger storm drainage system capable of carrying the volume of water safely across the road to the downstream side.
He further explained that the main Santasi–Ahenema Kokoben road, which serves as a boundary between the Kumasi Metropolis and the Atwima Kwanwoma District, is rapidly deteriorating due to the annual flooding and erosion caused by uncontrolled stormwater runoff.
Mr. Adubofour disclosed that following the 2022 disaster, he engaged officials of the Works and Housing sector in Kumasi who assured him that discussions would be held with relevant agencies to construct an additional bridge and a storm drain capable of handling the increasing volume of water. However, years after the assurance, no substantial intervention has been undertaken, leaving residents vulnerable during every rainy season.
The situation has been worsened by the collapse of retaining walls constructed along the riverbanks. Large portions of adjoining lands are being washed away by the force of the water, raising fears of further infrastructure failure if immediate action is not taken.
Residents who interacted with the DCE appealed for swift intervention to prevent future disasters. They stressed that the recurring floods pose serious risks to motorists, pedestrians, businesses, and nearby households, especially during periods of intense rainfall.
Responding to the concerns, Hon. Grace Agyemang Asamoah said the issue had come to her attention for the first time and assured residents that the matter would receive the necessary attention. She urged residents and workers of Midland Industries Ghana Limited to remain calm while efforts are made to find a lasting solution.
The DCE stated that she would engage the Mayor of Kumasi, relevant state institutions, and Kofi Job Construction Limited, the contractor responsible for the ongoing road project, to assess the situation and determine the most appropriate engineering solution.
She emphasized the need for collaboration among all stakeholders due to the location’s significance as a shared boundary between the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly and the Atwima Kwanwoma District Assembly.
Hon. Agyemang Asamoah also cautioned residents and road users to exercise extreme caution whenever it rains to avoid any unfortunate incidents while authorities work toward resolving the challenge.
Residents remain hopeful that the latest engagement will translate into concrete action, including the construction of a modern storm drainage system and other flood control measures to protect lives, safeguard investments, and preserve the integrity of one of the area’s most important road networks.