The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), in collaboration with The Or Foundation and the Kantamanto Obroni Wawu Business Association (KOBA), has commenced a major desilting exercise on the Okai Kwei Road storm drain in Kantamanto to address persistent flooding and improve sanitation in the area.

The exercise, which began over the weekend and is currently ongoing, forms part of a broader effort to enhance urban resilience in one of Accra’s busiest commercial hubs.

Approximately 154 waste workers drawn from Tide Turners and the June 4 Task Force were deployed for the operation, entering the underground drain system through newly created access points to remove accumulated waste.

Over 12 hours at the start of the exercise, the team cleared approximately 400 metres of the heavily silted drain, removing large volumes of plastic, silt, and textile waste. With 60 tonnes already cleared, an estimated 120 tonnes more are expected to be removed as work continues.

The storm drain, which stretches from Tema Station through Okai Kwei Road to the June 4 Market and into the Korle Lagoon, had reportedly not been desilted since its construction, resulting in severe blockages and frequent flooding, even after short rainfall events.

Speaking to the media, the Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey emphasised that the AMA would continue to collaborate with stakeholders to strengthen drainage systems, improve sanitation and build a more resilient and flood-resistant city.

Head of Waste Management at the AMA, Engineer Solomon Noi, explained that the enclosed nature of the drain, which was originally designed with minimal access points, had made maintenance difficult over the years.

Engineer Noi stated that sections of the concrete covering were being broken to create additional entry points for workers to access manually and clear the drainage, a move he said would significantly improve water flow and reduce flooding in the area.

He expressed optimism that once the exercise was completed, the impact of rainfall in the Kantamanto market would be greatly reduced, thereby protecting lives, property and livelihoods.

He emphasised that while the AMA’s priority remained safeguarding the city from flood risks, the partnership with the Or Foundation also supported efforts to protect the economic activities of traders, particularly those involved in the second-hand clothing trade.

The Environmental Field Operations Lead of the Foundation, David Akpablie, explained that the blocked drain had been a major contributor to flooding in the area and stressed that the ongoing desilting would help mitigate the situation and improve sanitary conditions within the market.

Leaders of the June 4 Task Force also reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining sanitation within the market enclave, noting that the group, made up of traders, residents and community leaders, had been actively involved in clean-up efforts.

Similarly, the President of Tide Turners, Adokwei Brown, stressed the need for the public to desist from dumping waste into drains, warning that such practices contributed significantly to flooding and environmental degradation.