Residents Demand Urgent Action On Santasi–Ahenema Kokoben Flooding
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 nearby communities, causing extensive damage to businesses and properties. Residents attributed the recurring floods to large volumes of stormwater flowing from upstream areas, compounded by choked drainage channels resulting from human activities and indiscriminate waste disposal.
Speaking during a visit by the Atwima Kwanwoma District Chief Executive (DCE), Hon. Grace Agyemang Asamoah, the Chief Executive Officer of Midland Industries Ghana Limited, 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 upstream, obstructing the natural flow of water. The obstruction diverted huge volumes of stormwater onto the road and adjoining communities, resulting in a devastating flood that reportedly claimed about five lives, swept away vehicles and caused extensive destruction to property.
Mr. Adubofour said the tragic incident served as a wake-up call for residents and businesses, leading to repeated appeals for the construction of a larger storm drainage system capable of safely channeling the volume of water across the road to the downstream side.
He explained that the Santasi–Ahenema Kokoben road, which serves as a boundary between the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly and the Atwima Kwanwoma District Assembly, is rapidly deteriorating due to annual flooding and erosion caused by uncontrolled stormwater runoff.
Mr. Adubofour further disclosed that following the 2022 disaster, he engaged officials from 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, several 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 along the riverbanks. Large portions of adjoining land 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 avert future disasters. They stressed that the recurring floods pose serious risks to motorists, pedestrians, businesses and households, particularly during periods of heavy 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 it 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 to the problem.
The DCE disclosed 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, given the strategic importance of the road and its location along the 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 during rainfall to avoid any unfortunate incidents while authorities work towards resolving the challenge.
Residents remain hopeful that the latest engagement will result in 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.
