Otumfuo urges KNUST engineers: lead solutions to Ghana floods
Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has called on engineers at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) to develop lasting solutions to Ghana’s perennial flooding, saying technical expertise must lead efforts to address the crisis.
Speaking at the launch of KNUST’s 75th anniversary celebrations Tuesday, the Chancellor said recurring floods were linked to waste management and public education, but stressed that engineers were best placed to provide practical answers.
“If it is still flooding and we still cannot control it, my engineers, please help me. It all borders on waste management and education, but I know that my engineers should be able to tell us where to dump what and where because we train people on these things,” he said.
Otumfuo said KNUST, as a premier science and technology university, produces graduates equipped to tackle drainage design, urban planning and waste disposal systems. He urged them to provide location-specific guidance on waste management and disposal sites.
“Please help me with that. Otherwise, the whole of Ghana is going to be engulfed by floodwaters,” he warned.
The Asantehene acknowledged that while public education was important, urgent action was needed to prevent the country from being overwhelmed.
Annual floods in Accra, Kumasi and other urban centres cause loss of lives, destroy property and disrupt economic activity. Poor drainage, indiscriminate waste disposal and unplanned development are frequently cited as contributing factors.
