Renowned veteran Ghanaian highlife musician Sly Collins has expressed strong confidence in President John Dramani Mahama’s ability to permanently resolve Accra’s long-standing flooding problem, describing the President’s return to office as a renewed opportunity to tackle one of Ghana’s most persistent urban challenges.
Speaking on the recurring floods that have affected the capital for more than four decades, Collins said the crisis can be overcome if Ghanaians unite behind the government’s efforts and provide the necessary technical, institutional, and public support.
According to the celebrated musician, although President Mahama has a limited period left in his current term—approximately two more years—he believes the President has demonstrated the leadership, commitment, and vision required to implement lasting solutions.
“The second coming of President John Mahama has been impressive. Every sector he has touched has shown visible progress, and that alone is an indication that he can solve any problem he is determined to address, provided he receives massive support from Ghanaians,” Sly Collins stated.
He emphasized that the perennial flooding in Accra cannot be solved through financial allocations alone but requires comprehensive urban planning, engineering expertise, and effective implementation of long-term flood mitigation strategies.
Sly Collins noted that the government’s flood control agenda should prioritize the construction and rehabilitation of stormwater drainage systems, retention basins, and water storage infrastructure capable of managing heavy rainfall during the rainy season. He stressed that properly designed storm drains are essential because they channel and temporarily store excess rainwater, reducing the risk of devastating floods.
He further called for a comprehensive review and strict enforcement of the Greater Accra planning framework to prevent indiscriminate development on waterways, wetlands, and flood-prone areas, which continue to worsen the situation.
The veteran musician also urged the proposed Ghana Hydro Authority and other relevant institutions to operate efficiently and professionally to ensure effective water resource management, flood forecasting, and infrastructure maintenance. He said technocrats, engineers, environmental experts, and urban planners must work closely with the government to develop sustainable and scientifically driven solutions.
“Giving money alone will not solve the flooding problem. What Ghana needs is proper planning, effective institutions, technical expertise, and the collective commitment of every citizen,” Collins emphasized.
He appealed to Ghanaians to be patriotic and support President Mahama’s efforts to address the decades-old flooding crisis, arguing that national development requires collaboration rather than political division.
“If we truly want the flood problem in Accra to become a thing of the past, we must support the government and President Mahama. We should allow him to complete the necessary interventions before the end of his term. This is a national issue that demands unity, professionalism, and patriotism,” he said.
Accra has experienced recurrent flooding for over 40 years, with heavy rains frequently causing loss of lives, destruction of property, and significant disruptions to economic activities. Experts have consistently attributed the situation to inadequate drainage infrastructure, poor urban planning, encroachment on waterways, and ineffective waste management, making sustained government intervention and public cooperation essential to achieving a lasting solution.
