By Zobia Zulfqar 
Ghana’s recurring flooding crisis is a direct result of poor urban planning, weak enforcement of building regulations and unsustainable development practices, according to the Chief Executive Officer of KOANS Estate, Mr. Kofi Anokye.
Speaking in an exclusive interview, Mr. Anokye said the country’s future depends on adopting smarter urban development strategies that prioritise resilient infrastructure, environmental protection and responsible land use.
His remarks come as Ghana continues to experience destructive floods that claim lives, damage businesses and displace thousands of residents during the rainy season.
According to Mr. Anokye, flooding should not be viewed simply as a natural disaster caused by heavy rainfall. Instead, he believes much of the destruction is preventable and stems from years of poor planning decisions.
“The floods we experience today are largely preventable,” he said. “When cities expand without proper planning and environmental responsibility, nature eventually responds. Flooding is the price society pays for ignoring sound development principles.”
The KOANS Estate CEO identified inadequate drainage infrastructure as one of the primary causes of flooding in many parts of Ghana.
He explained that many drainage systems are either poorly designed, poorly maintained or incapable of handling the increasing volume of stormwater generated by rapid urbanisation.
As cities continue to expand, he said, existing drainage infrastructure has failed to keep pace with new residential and commercial developments.
Mr. Anokye also blamed the indiscriminate disposal of waste into drainage channels for worsening flood conditions.
According to him, clogged drains significantly reduce the flow of stormwater, causing water to overflow into surrounding communities during heavy rains.
He further pointed to illegal construction along waterways and the continued encroachment on protected drainage corridors as major factors contributing to the country’s persistent flooding challenges.
Weak enforcement of planning regulations, he added, has allowed developers and individuals to build in flood-prone areas despite existing laws designed to protect waterways and public infrastructure.
Mr. Anokye stressed that stronger enforcement of development regulations is essential if Ghana hopes to reduce future flood disasters.
Beyond the humanitarian impact, he warned that recurring floods are having serious consequences for the country’s real estate sector and broader economy.
According to him, repeated flooding damages residential properties, roads, drainage systems and other essential infrastructure, increasing maintenance costs for both property owners and government.
He noted that communities frequently affected by flooding often become less attractive to investors, reducing confidence in local property markets and slowing economic development.
Homeowners, he said, are also forced to bear substantial financial losses through expensive repairs, rising insurance costs where available, declining property values and the emotional trauma associated with repeated flood disasters.
Mr. Anokye believes these long-term economic costs far exceed the investment required to improve urban planning and flood management infrastructure.
He called for a more coordinated national approach that brings together government agencies, local authorities, urban planners, engineers, environmental experts and private developers.
Such collaboration, he said, would ensure that future housing developments are supported by adequate drainage systems, proper road networks and environmental safeguards.
The KOANS Estate CEO also encouraged greater investment in sustainable infrastructure capable of withstanding the impacts of climate change and increasingly intense rainfall.
He argued that modern cities should incorporate flood resilience into every stage of planning rather than responding only after disasters occur.
According to Mr. Anokye, responsible urban development is not only about constructing more buildings but also about creating communities that remain safe, resilient and economically productive for generations.
He said Ghana has an opportunity to transform its cities by embracing smarter planning practices that balance development with environmental sustainability.
As climate change continues to increase the frequency of extreme weather events, he believes the country’s ability to manage urban growth responsibly will play a critical role in protecting lives, safeguarding investments and supporting long-term economic prosperity.
Mr. Anokye concluded that Ghana’s future depends on making better planning decisions today, warning that delaying meaningful reforms will only increase the financial and human cost of future flooding.