The three-dimensional causes of flooding in Accra, Ghana

The perceived and actual causes of flood hazards in cities of sub-Saharan African countries have come under tremendous debate. In Accra, the capital of Ghana, flooding has been the key source of human vulnerability. Studies carried out on flood vulnerability in the city have given varied attributions to their frequent occurrences. In this paper we comprehensively explore the various causes of flood hazards in our bid to set the stage for an integrated approach to flood management. Using mixed methods including document reviews, institutional consultations and key informant interviews, the study categorises all the causes of flood hazards in Accra into three broad but interrelated thematic areas presenting a platform for integrated flood management. The study therefore recommends a comprehensive and integrated approach to flood management that takes into consideration the peculiarities of local physical, social, and political conditions. A framework for such an integrated approach is proposed.