The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), in partnership with The Or Foundation and the Kantamanto Obroni Wawu Business Association (KOBA), has begun a major desilting exercise on the Okai Kwei Road storm drain in Kantamanto.

The operation aims to tackle persistent flooding and improve sanitation in one of Accra’s busiest commercial areas.

Work started over the weekend and is ongoing as part of a broader effort to strengthen the city’s resilience to flooding.

About 154 waste workers from Tide Turners and the June 4 Task Force have been deployed, entering the underground drain through newly created access points to remove accumulated waste.

Within the first 12 hours, the team cleared about 400 metres of the heavily silted drain, removing large volumes of plastic, silt, and textile waste. So far, 60 tonnes have been cleared, with an estimated 120 tonnes more expected as work continues.

The drain, which runs from Tema Station through Okai Kwei Road to the June 4 Market and into the Korle Lagoon, had reportedly not been desilted since it was built. This has led to severe blockages and frequent flooding, even after short periods of rainfall.

Speaking to the media, the Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, said the AMA would continue working with partners to improve drainage, sanitation, and flood control across the city.

The AMA’s Head of Waste Management, Engineer Solomon Noi, explained that the enclosed design of the drain, with few access points, had made maintenance difficult over the years.

He said sections of the concrete covering are being opened up to allow workers to manually clear the system, which should improve water flow and reduce flooding.

He added that once the exercise is complete, the impact of rainfall in the Kantamanto market area should be significantly reduced, helping to protect lives, property, and livelihoods.

Noi also noted that while the AMA’s priority is to reduce flood risk, the partnership with The Or Foundation supports the economic activities of traders, especially those in the second-hand clothing trade.

Environmental Field Operations Lead at The Or Foundation, David Akpablie, said the blocked drain has been a major cause of flooding in the area.

He noted that the ongoing work will help ease the situation and improve sanitary conditions in the market.

Leaders of the June 4 Task Force reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining cleanliness in the area, highlighting the group’s ongoing involvement in community clean-up efforts.

President of Tide Turners, Adokwei Brown, urged the public to stop dumping waste into drains, warning that the practice contributes significantly to flooding and environmental damage.