Major underground storm drain project to begin on Dr. Busia Highway in bid to curb Accra flooding

The Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) Project will launch a significant infrastructure initiative next month aimed at tackling one of Accra's most persistent challenges: flooding. Construction of a 1.95-kilometre underground stormwater drain along the Dr. Busia Highway in the Kaneshie enclave is scheduled to commence on September 7, 2026, with completion targeted for October 2027.

The project, announced by Dr. Kwadwo Ohene Sarfo, Project Coordinator for GARID, represents a major upgrade to the area's drainage infrastructure. The new double-cell underground rectangular drain will measure approximately 10 metres wide and stretch from Pamprom Junction to First Light Junction. It will replace the existing pair of 1.2-metre diameter pipes that have proven inadequate for managing the volume of stormwater that accumulates in this heavily populated commercial area during the rainy season.

Infrastructure upgrade addresses chronic flooding

The construction project is part of a broader government initiative focused on flood prevention and mitigation across the capital. Accra has experienced recurring seasonal flooding for years, particularly in low-lying areas and areas with aging drainage systems. The new underground drain represents an investment in modernising the city's stormwater management capacity to handle increasingly intense rainfall events.

The drain will connect seamlessly with existing infrastructure at both ends: linking to a recently completed section within the Accra Academy campus on one end, and to the existing drain system at Pamprom Junction on the other. This integration is designed to create a more efficient network for channelling stormwater away from residential and commercial zones during periods of heavy rainfall.

Why it matters for Ghana

Flooding remains a significant challenge for Accra and other major Ghanaian cities, with economic and social consequences that extend beyond property damage. When major roads like the Dr. Busia Highway flood, they become impassable, disrupting commerce, transportation and daily life for thousands of residents and businesses. The Kaneshie area is a major commercial hub, so improving drainage here has implications for the broader Accra economy.

For residents in the Kaneshie area and surrounding neighbourhoods, this project offers the prospect of reduced flooding during the monsoon seasons, improved road accessibility, and better protection for properties and businesses. The 13-month construction timeline, while substantial, is designed to minimise disruptions to one of Accra's busier thoroughfares.

The GARID initiative signals continued investment by government in tackling infrastructure deficits that affect quality of life in Ghana's capital. As climate patterns shift and urbanisation continues, upgrading the city's stormwater management systems becomes increasingly critical to protecting residents and economic activity. This project demonstrates a recognition that modern cities require modern drainage infrastructure capable of handling contemporary rainfall volumes.