A new analysis by the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) project has found that about 16% of the 25-metre drainage buffer zones across selected assemblies in the Greater Accra Region have been lost to encroachment, worsening the capital’s flooding challenges.
The findings were presented on Friday, July 3, 2026, by GARID Project Coordinator and member of the Post-Flood Mitigation Committee, Kojo Ohene Safo, who said the assessment examined developments along waterways across 16 assemblies, focusing on legally required buffer zones on both sides of drains.
The study compared data from 2022 to 2026 and revealed a steady rise in unauthorised structures built within protected drainage corridors in several areas.
While Ablekuma Central recorded no new developments in the most recent period after six structures were identified in 2022, most other areas showed significant increases.
Ayawaso Central rose from 793 to 801 structures, while Ayawaso East increased sharply from 337 to 494 structures. Ga Central recorded a major jump, bringing total encroached structures to 2,329.
Other increases were seen in Krowor (178 to 295), Okai Koi North (596 to 729), Ablekuma West (904 to 1,293), and Ga North, which recorded one of the highest rises from 1,049 to 2,261 structures.
Additional increases were also recorded in Ga South, La Dade-Kotopon, and Adentan, with total encroached structures across all sampled areas reaching 10,497.
Mr. Safo warned that the continued construction within drainage buffers is a major factor worsening flooding in Accra, as it blocks natural water flow paths during heavy rainfall.
He stressed that unless the trend is urgently addressed, future flooding events will likely become more severe, affecting more communities across the capital.
