The Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, has raised alarm over what he describes as Ghana’s worsening environmental decay, warning that recent devastating floods in Accra are a direct consequence of sustained human negligence.
He said the situation reflects a growing national failure to protect the environment, stressing that both weak urban planning systems and irresponsible human activities are contributing to the worsening flood crisis.
Speaking at the 2026 Kyebi Ohum Festival held in Kyebi over the weekend, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin said Ghana is gradually losing its environmental discipline due to widespread disregard for sanitation laws and traditional environmental values.
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He cited indiscriminate dumping of refuse into gutters, rivers, and open spaces, as well as the construction of buildings on waterways, as major factors responsible for recurrent flooding in major cities, including Accra.
According to him, these actions have blocked natural drainage systems, making urban areas increasingly vulnerable to heavy rainfall and disaster events.
The traditional ruler warned that nature responds to how humans treat it, adding that environmental destruction will inevitably result in severe consequences if left unchecked.
He recalled that traditional Ghanaian societies once enforced strict environmental practices, including taboos that regulated access to rivers and discouraged pollution, helping to preserve water bodies and ecosystems.
Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin urged Ghanaians to urgently adopt a new environmental mindset, emphasizing discipline, sanitation, and respect for natural resources.
He stressed that addressing Ghana’s flooding challenges requires more than infrastructure development, calling instead for a fundamental change in public attitude and behaviour.
The Okyenhene also expressed concern about increasing drug and substance abuse among the youth, describing it as a growing threat to national development and public safety.
He called for strict enforcement of laws governing the sale of alcohol and narcotics, urging security agencies and local authorities to clamp down on establishments that sell restricted substances to minors.
He also expressed concerns about abandoned road projects and poor contractor performance, warning that such practices continue to place unnecessary burden on citizens.
He referred to the deteriorating state of the Ofankor–Nsawam road, describing it as a symbol of broader infrastructure challenges affecting the country.
Chief of Staff Julius Debrah commended the Okyenhene for his leadership and reaffirmed government’s commitment to agricultural development in the Akyem area.
He noted that the region has strong potential for palm plantation investment, which could create employment opportunities for young people while supporting both domestic production and exports.
The 2026 Kyebi Ohum Festival featured colourful cultural displays and brought together political leaders, traditional authorities, and government officials from across the country.