A violent downpour that struck Berekum Municipality in the Bono Region in the early hours of Tuesday left thousands of Ghana cedis in damage as floodwater poured into homes and streets. The most severely affected communities were Kyiribaa, Brenyekwa and the Berekum Zongo, where residents were forced to seek shelter with relatives and friends.
Madam Florence Adusah, the Assembly Member for the Kyiribaa Electoral Area, told the Ghana News Agency that the municipality’s poor drainage system had contributed to the flooding. She noted that choked gutters and the erection of structures in waterways had allowed water to accumulate and breach houses. “I advise the members of the communities to desist from littering and dumping plastic materials into gutters and drains,” she said, adding that the Assembly must strictly enforce building regulations.
At the Berekum Zongo, Madam Mary Owusuaa, one of the flood‑affected residents, reported that water entered her house around 0400 hours and that about 13 houses were also inundated. She said the flood waters destroyed television sets, mattresses, sound systems, mobile phones and furniture. “I appeal to the Municipal Assembly and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) to come to the aid of the affected persons,” she told GNA, noting that many were currently staying with relatives.
Another victim, Madam Juliana Adu Akrasi, highlighted the impact of the ongoing construction of a 24‑hour market project near her home. She explained that “The soil excavated from the construction site has been heaped into a major drainage channel, blocking waterways and impeding the free flow of water.”
Several residents have called on NADMO, the Municipal Assembly and benevolent organisations to assist with relief efforts and to improve the municipality’s drainage infrastructure. The Assembly is expected to review the situation and consider measures to prevent future flooding.
