Several basic schools in parts of Kasoa in the Awutu Senya East Municipality of the Central Region have been temporarily closed following severe flooding caused by hours of heavy rainfall that swept through the area on Monday June 29.
The downpour, which began in the early hours of the day, left many communities submerged, disrupting transportation, business operations, and educational activities as residents struggled to cope with rising floodwaters.
Communities including Kasoa Peacetown and surrounding areas were among the hardest hit, with more than 20 houses and shops inundated by the floods.
Residents were forced to abandon their homes and spend hours scooping water from their rooms and business premises in an effort to salvage their belongings.
Several affected residents described the situation as devastating, noting that flooding has become a recurring problem whenever heavy rains occur in the municipality.
According to residents, the persistent flooding is largely due to what they described as a poorly designed and inadequate drainage system in the area.
They argued that drainage projects undertaken over the years have failed to provide a lasting solution to the perennial challenge.
Residents claimed that many drains are either too narrow, choked with waste, or improperly connected, making it difficult for rainwater to flow freely during heavy storms.
Some expressed frustration that despite repeated complaints and appeals to authorities, the flooding situation continues to worsen each year.
The floods also affected movement along sections of the Kasoa-Cape Coast Highway, where portions of the road became inundated, causing severe traffic congestion and delays for commuters.
Several vehicles were stranded in the floodwaters while passengers waited for hours as drivers struggled to navigate the submerged sections of the highway.
Commercial activities in affected areas also came to a temporary standstill as shop owners battled to protect their goods from water damage.
As a safety precaution, authorities of some affected schools announced the temporary closure of basic schools until conditions improve and the school environment becomes safe for both pupils and teachers.
Parents have consequently been advised to keep their children at home as floodwaters continue to pose a significant danger, particularly to schoolchildren and pedestrians.
Meanwhile, affected residents are calling on the government, the Awutu Senya East Municipal Assembly, and the National Management Organisation (NADMO) to provide immediate relief items and emergency assistance to families whose homes and businesses have been affected by the floods.
Residents are also demanding urgent and long-term drainage solutions to prevent future flooding incidents in the rapidly growing municipality.
Although no casualties had been reported at the time of filing this report, residents fear that continued rainfall could worsen the situation if swift intervention is not undertaken.
Story by Yaw Boagyan
