Ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction: District-level collaboration for flood mitigation in Accra, Ghana

This policy brief examines the causes of recurring flooding in Accra, Ghana, and advocates for the integration of ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) with traditional infrastructure to mitigate disaster risks. It emphasizes the necessity of collaboration and communication between municipal and district assemblies to manage shared waterways and drainage systems effectively.

• Accra has experienced at least one major flood disaster annually for the past 10 years. The causes are multifaceted, including population growth, urbanisation, rural-to-urban migration, and climate change, which has increased the intensity of rainfall. Specific contributing factors include poor drainage due to inadequate infrastructure, blockages from plastic waste and rubbish, urban sprawl leading to unplanned communities, construction in wetland areas, and the use of impermeable hard surfaces.
• Ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) is a nature-based approach using biodiversity and ecosystem services to help populations adapt to climate change. In Accra, this can include restoring wetland habitats to store water and absorb excess flow, as well as using vertiver grass—an imported non-invasive plant—to create vegetative barriers that slow runoff and control erosion.
• While EbA can be more cost-effective and provide greater co-benefits than physical infrastructure—as evidenced by a Philippines case study comparing mangroves to seawalls—it is not yet sufficiently adopted at the national policy level in Ghana. Most municipal and district assemblies in Accra rely on infrastructure-based options due to limited funds, capacity, and understanding of EbA's effectiveness.
• Effective flood management in Accra is hindered by a lack of coordination and communication between neighbouring municipal and district assemblies. Because waterways cross administrative boundaries, actions such as dredging drains in one district without informing neighbours can create problems in adjacent communities.
• Current flood management is led by the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) in collaboration with local assemblies. While a National Flood Contingency Plan and various Disaster Management Plans exist, there is a disconnect between national and local NADMO offices, necessitating better communication and regular training for local officers.
• Different assemblies in the Greater Accra Region have implemented varying strategies. Ga Central has a five-phase strategic plan involving mapping flooding areas and building 10 major bridges. Adentan Municipal Assembly has used EbA by planting vegetation on slopes and around water bodies, and it requires homeowners to plant at least three trees to receive building permits.

APA

Gordon, P. C., & Kwawu, M. (2020). Ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction: District-level collaboration for flood mitigation in Accra, Ghana. Climate and Development Knowledge Network. https://cdkn.org/sites/default/files/files/PB-Flood-mitigation-Accra-Ghana-Web-1.pdf

Chicago

Gordon, Professor Christopher, and Millicent Kwawu. Ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction: District-level collaboration for flood mitigation in Accra, Ghana. Climate and Development Knowledge Network, 2020. https://cdkn.org/sites/default/files/files/PB-Flood-mitigation-Accra-Ghana-Web-1.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Gordon |first1=Professor Christopher |last2=Kwawu |first2=Millicent |title=Ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction: District-level collaboration for flood mitigation in Accra, Ghana |publisher=Climate and Development Knowledge Network |date=June 2020 |url=https://cdkn.org/sites/default/files/files/PB-Flood-mitigation-Accra-Ghana-Web-1.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{gordon2020ecosystembased, author = {Gordon, Professor Christopher and Kwawu, Millicent}, title = {{Ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction: District-level collaboration for flood mitigation in Accra, Ghana}}, institution = {Climate and Development Knowledge Network}, year = {2020}, month = jun, url = {https://cdkn.org/sites/default/files/files/PB-Flood-mitigation-Accra-Ghana-Web-1.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }