Dr Sammy King Baiden calls for stronger enforcement of sanitation laws to address flooding

Sustainability expert Dr Sammy King Baiden has called for stronger enforcement of sanitation laws and sustained public education, arguing that Ghana’s flooding challenge cannot be addressed through infrastructure projects alone.

Speaking on Asaase Radio’s Townhall Talk, Baiden said the disposal of rubbish into drains remained a major behavioural issue. He said some people knowingly litter in drainage channels because they do not expect meaningful consequences.

Baiden said existing sanitation laws should be applied consistently, alongside nationwide campaigns intended to encourage lasting changes in how people manage waste. In his view, these measures would be more effective than relying mainly on occasional clean-up exercises.

Call for lawful enforcement

The sustainability expert also commented on an incident in which a man was filmed being made by security officers to retrieve rubbish he had allegedly thrown into a drain during a national clean-up exercise.

While he condemned littering, Baiden said sanctions should be imposed through established legal procedures rather than public humiliation. He argued that enforcing the law fairly and predictably could help deter improper waste disposal.

Baiden further said Ghana could draw lessons from countries where anti-littering rules are strictly applied. He maintained that cleaner communities require institutions to enforce regulations consistently and residents to take responsibility for their surroundings.

He urged the government to support behavioural-change initiatives across the country and said communities should play an active role in promoting environmental discipline. His comments frame flooding as a matter involving both public infrastructure and everyday waste-management practices.