Ashaiman MCE Freeman Tsekpo Appeals for Modernization of Gbemi Storm Drain to Combat Flooding

Ashaiman Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Freeman Tsekpo, has issued a formal appeal to the Ministry of Works and Housing, calling for the urgent reconstruction and modernization of the Gbemi Storm Drain. Tsekpo highlighted that the municipality continues to face significant flooding challenges, particularly during the rainy season, which threatens the livelihoods and safety of residents. He asserted that the current strategy of performing annual desilting is an insufficient stop-gap measure that fails to address the root causes of the drainage failure.

The Gbemi Storm Drain is currently managed by the Hydrological Services Department, but according to Tsekpo, the infrastructure has become severely outdated. As the population and urban density of Ashaiman have increased, the drain’s capacity to handle the volume of stormwater has been far outpaced. The MCE noted that the existing structure is no longer fit for its purpose and requires a complete engineering overhaul to meet modern standards. By upgrading the drain into a modern system, the municipality aims to ensure that water flows are efficiently managed, thereby preventing the recurrent overflow that often leads to property damage and displacement.

This call for action comes at a critical time when urban flooding remains a persistent issue for many Ghanaian municipalities. Tsekpo's appeal underscores the need for sustainable, long-term infrastructure investment rather than reliance on temporary fixes like dredging and desilting. If the Ministry of Works and Housing prioritizes the reconstruction of the Gbemi Storm Drain, it would represent a significant step toward building climate-resilient infrastructure in one of the country's most vibrant commercial hubs. For now, the people of Ashaiman remain hopeful that the central government will provide the necessary resources to resolve this perennial environmental and economic challenge.