Minister for Youth Empowerment and Development, George Opare Addo, has called on young Ghanaians to take a more active role in tackling the country’s recurring flooding by adopting drains within their communities and ensuring they are kept clean.
Speaking at the launch of the National Youth Festival 2026 in Accra, the Minister proposed an “Adopt a Drain” campaign as a community-driven initiative that encourages the youth to take responsibility for the environment while promoting civic consciousness.
According to him, preventing floods should not be left solely to government institutions but should become a shared responsibility among citizens, particularly the youth, who make up a significant portion of Ghana’s population. “I understand that in the last flood incidents close to 17 people lost their lives. These are deaths that are preventable and as young people as we celebrate our month, let it become a part of us.”
He further urged young people to serve as watchdogs within their communities by holding one another accountable and discouraging indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drains and waterways. He noted that adopting preventive measures at the community level would go a long way in reducing the devastating impact of floods experienced across the country. “Let’s become watchdogs, let us call out one another when we see them littering. Let us launch a campaign called ‘Adopt a Drain’. Let us adopt a drain in front of our houses; if our drains are desilted, if our drains are not choked a lot of the flooding will not happen. If we do this effectively all these floods can be avoidable.”
The Minister’s remarks come in the wake of recent flooding incidents that displaced residents, destroyed properties and renewed calls for improved sanitation practices and environmental responsibility. He expressed optimism that with collective action, young people can become agents of change in safeguarding their communities against future disasters.
By: Kobina Baidoo