Residents of low-income communities in Accra, including Odorna, are facing severe flooding and extreme heat, even during light rainfall, a University of Ghana expert has warned.
Speaking on JoyNews Desk on Wednesday, March 11, Prof Ebenezer F. Amankwaa, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Geography and Resource Development, said:
“Odorna, just like other low-income communities, are suffering from a lot of climate risk, especially flooding and extreme heat. Sometimes it doesn’t even rain in these areas, but they still experience floods.”
Prof Amankwaa explained that the vulnerabilities of these communities are cumulative, arising from poorly constructed homes, low-lying terrain, and limited economic opportunities.
“All this plays out in determining the vulnerability of the people. So it rains, and even the least rainfall brings flooding,” he said.
He noted that flooding is often not just about rainfall, but about how water runs off the city. Low-lying areas such as Akwapim Transit, Alajo, and Odorna tend to accumulate water from surrounding neighbourhoods. Inadequate retention systems and pumps prevent water from gradually seeping into the ground, resulting in fast-moving runoff and significant damage.
Extreme heat further compounds the problem. Many residents live in poorly ventilated homes and carry out economic activities indoors, raising indoor temperatures. Prof Amankwaa highlighted that this contributes to skin rashes, sleep disturbances, and reduced daytime productivity.
“These are real problems that people in low-income areas are facing that we need to really put measures to address,” he added.
His remarks come as Accra continues to grapple with the effects of climate change on vulnerable urban communities, underscoring the urgent need for infrastructure improvements and broader urban planning to protect residents.
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Source: www.myjoyonline.com