Residents and business owners along the Santasi–Ahenema Kokoben road are demanding urgent government action to build a proper storm drain, after repeated flooding has destroyed property, eroded road infrastructure, and put lives at risk. The latest downpour inundated homes and shops, reigniting fears that the area is one heavy rain away from another disaster.

The first major flood hit in 2022, when a retaining wall built upstream blocked the natural water flow, diverting massive volumes of stormwater onto the road and nearby communities.

The result: about five people died, vehicles were washed away, and countless properties were damaged.

“That experience was a wake-up call,” said Mr. Michael Adubofour, CEO of Midland Industries Ghana Limited, whose own business has suffered repeated losses. “We’ve been crying for a bigger drain ever since—one that can safely carry the water to the other side of the road.”

 · Choked drains – Indiscriminate waste disposal and human activities have blocked existing channels.

· Upstream runoff – Large volumes of rainwater pour down from higher ground, overwhelming the area.

· Collapsing riverbanks – Retaining walls along the river have given way, causing land to be washed away and raising the risk of further infrastructure failure.

The main Santasi–Ahenema Kokoben road, which serves as the boundary between Kumasi Metropolis and Atwima Kwanwoma District, is now deteriorating rapidly due to annual erosion.

Promises Made, Promises Broken

Mr. Adubofour said that after the 2022 tragedy, officials from the Works and Housing sector assured him that an additional bridge and a proper storm drain would be built. But years later, no concrete action has been taken.

“We’ve been left to face every rainy season with dread,” he added.

 During a recent visit, the District Chief Executive for Atwima Kwanwoma, Hon. Grace Agyemang Asamoah, admitted she was hearing the issue for the first time. She pledged to:

· Meet with the Mayor of Kumasi

· Consult relevant state agencies

· Engage Kofi Job Construction Limited, the contractor on the ongoing road project

She assured residents that a lasting engineering solution would be pursued, emphasising that the site’s shared boundary status requires collaboration between both assemblies.

Hon. Agyemang Asamoah also urged motorists and pedestrians to be extremely cautious during rains, while authorities work on a fix. Residents, though hopeful, stress that talk must now turn into action.

“We need a modern storm drainage system—not just to protect our investments, but to save lives,” said one resident. “This road is too important to keep losing to water.”

With the rainy season already here, the clock is ticking. For now, the community waits—and watches the skies—hoping that this time, the promise of a drain will finally become a reality.