By Opesika Tetteh Puplampu
Ada Foah, July 10, GNA — The Jetse Developmental Foundation, a non-government organisation established by Jetse Abram Kabu Akuaku III, the Paramount Chief of the Ada Traditional Area, has assessed the Ada Foah Market to identify the causes of its persistent flooding and recommend sustainable solutions.
The foundation, which focuses on promoting socio-economic and infrastructural development across the Ada Traditional Area, undertook the exercise following growing public concern over flooding at the market after recent heavy rains.
The flooding inundated portions of the market, affecting trading activities and damaging goods, while some nearby residents also reported their homes being flooded due to inadequate drainage facilities.
Videos and photographs circulating on social media in recent weeks have heightened public calls for urgent intervention to address the perennial flooding challenge confronting the market.
During the assessment, members of the foundation inspected critical sections of the market, examined existing drainage infrastructure and interacted with traders to better understand the challenges they face during heavy rainfall.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Nene Terkpertey Dada Tetteygah V, the Chief of Ada Foah and patron of the Jetse Developmental Foundation, said the assessment was intended to gather first-hand information that would inform practical and long-term interventions.
He said the foundation would work with relevant institutions to identify lasting solutions capable of preventing recurrent flooding and improving trading conditions at the market.
Mr Moses Jumpah, the Ada East District Director of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), said blocked and silted drains were among the principal causes of flooding within the market.
Mr Jumpah explained that desilting the existing drainage system would significantly improve the free flow of rainwater and reduce flooding during periods of heavy rainfall.
According to him, an old drainage channel within the market, though abandoned, could still play an important role if rehabilitated.
“The newly constructed drains may require reconstruction, but the old drain only needs desilting to become functional again,” Mr Jumpah stated.
Speaking on behalf of the Paramount Chief, Nomo Jonathan Dorkutso, the Secretary to the Paramount Chief, reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to supporting development initiatives across the Ada Traditional Area.
He said the foundation would continue collaborating with the Ada East District Assembly, NADMO and other stakeholders to develop sustainable measures to address flooding at the market.
Nomo Dorkutso also announced that the upcoming 89th Asafotufiami Festival would serve as a platform to promote development initiatives across the Ada State and mobilise support for priority projects.
He stressed that the Paramount Chief, the Traditional Council and the Jetse Developmental Foundation could not single-handedly undertake all the developmental needs of the area.
He therefore appealed to Ada natives, both at home and abroad, to unite and contribute towards the development of their communities.
He urged residents to embrace initiatives aimed at mobilising resources for community development, saying collective efforts were essential to building a resilient and prosperous Ada.
GNA
Edited by Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo/Benjamin Mensah
Reporter: Opesika Tetteh Puplamu