“Did you know that the Odaw River, despite its current state, plays a crucial role in Accra’s drainage system?” The Odaw River flows strategically from the Abokobi and Adjankote hills. It passes through several areas. These include Ashongman, Atomic Energy area, West Legon, and Achimota. The Odaw then continues through Alajo, Avenor, and Agbogbloshie. Finally, it empties into the Atlantic Ocean through the Korle Lagoon.
Once upon a time, the Odaw River teemed with aquatic life. People fished in its waters. But those days are long gone. Today, the Odaw River is heavily polluted. It is often described as one of the most polluted rivers on earth. This pollution has choked the river. It has made it nearly impossible for aquatic life to survive.
The Odaw River serves as a dumping ground. People dump solid waste and even excreta into it. Scrap dealers, traders, mechanics, and squatters worsen the problem. They dump all sorts of waste into the river. This waste includes old fridges, television sets, and electrical items.
The river’s condition directly impacts Accra’s vulnerability to flooding. The Odaw River is meant to drain the Accra metropolis. But its belly is now choked with garbage. This restricts water flow. As a result, Accra frequently endures dangerous flooding. The worst disaster occurred in June 2015. Heavy rains overwhelmed the clogged Odaw River. This led to severe flooding. One hundred and twenty-six people died. Infrastructure and private properties suffered massive damage.
In response to the 2015 disaster, the government launched the National Flood Control Programme. Dredge Masters, a Ghanaian company, was authorized to clean the Odaw River and Korle Lagoon. They deployed a fleet of Watermaster dredgers. These machines are ideal for shallow water work. They can remove trash and silt.
Between 2016 and 2018, Dredge Masters removed over 1 million cubic meters of silt and rubbish. The dredging improved the river’s flow. However, the drainage system gradually filled up again. Regular maintenance is essential.
The lining of part of the Odaw was done between 2002 and 2004. But it has only been fully dredged three times. The Hydraulics Department and the AMA have not always collaborated effectively.
In 2007, the Odaw River was diverted. Its outflow was desilted. It now passes directly into the gulf. This happens through a kilometer-long outfall.
The Korle Lagoon, where the Odaw River ends its journey, also has its own history. Local tradition says the first settlement was established by Ewe hunters. They settled on the east bank of the lagoon. The lagoon was believed to be inhabited by a spirit.
The government of Ghana assumed ownership of the lagoon in 1961. They dredged it and raised the level of nearby land. This was to reduce the risk of flooding. Industries were established on drained land. These industries included brewing and food processing. Later, car repairs and electronic scrap processing took place at Agbogbloshie.
The Odaw River’s story is one of environmental challenges and ongoing efforts to restore its vital function. A permanent solution needs changing people’s attitude towards waste disposal. Re-engineering the drainage system and regular de-silting are also required. The Odaw River can once again be a life-sustaining resource.