Kasoa floods: Man drowns in open gutter during heavy rain

The body of a man who drowned during Saturday evening’s heavy rainfall in Kasoa has been recovered at Ironcity, shedding new light on the area’s persistent drainage problems.

The victim, identified as N.K. Godfred and believed to be in his early 30s, was reportedly returning from work when he fell into an uncovered gutter. Witnesses say he attempted to cross the flooded drain despite warnings from onlookers, but the strong current swept him away.

“He underestimated the situation. Some people tried to help, but the water was too strong,” a relative told Channel One News.

His body was later discovered on Sunday afternoon in a different part of Ironcity.

The incident has sparked fresh criticism of the poor drainage system in the area. Many residents and local leaders blame the tragedy on incomplete drainage projects and years of poor planning. Kennedy Acheampong, Assemblyman for the Ironcity-Dokutsekope Electoral Area, said the situation has been a concern for a long time.

“We have a drainage problem in Ironcity. We’ve raised it repeatedly, but nothing has been done. We’re pleading with the MCE and authorities to act before more lives are lost,” he stressed.

The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) Director for the Awutu Senya East Municipality, Nash Nyandey, confirmed that structures obstructing water flow have worsened the flooding problem in the community.

“We’ll bring engineers to assess the situation and implement measures to safeguard residents,” Nyandey said.

Meanwhile, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Seth Sabah Serwonoo Banini, has announced that all buildings located in water paths will be demolished as part of efforts to end the flooding menace.

“We will not hesitate to pull down any building obstructing water flow. This is about protecting lives, not politics,” the MCE warned.

Saturday’s rains flooded many parts of Kasoa, including Opeikuma, Krispo City, Joemens Kpometey, and Dokutsekope. Residents are now calling for urgent intervention to prevent future tragedies.