Kasoa hillside residents fear erosion as climate change intensifies rainfall, experts call for urgent action

Kasoa hillside residents are raising concerns over increasing soil erosion as heavier and more unpredictable rainfall linked to climate change continues to threaten homes and livelihoods. Esther, who has lived in one of the affected communities for nearly 30 years, said, "Anytime the rains come heavily, we become scared because the water keeps removing the soil around our houses. We don't know whether one day the land will collapse." Enock Asumadu said, "The water now cuts through the land very fast. Every heavy rain leaves new holes in the ground, and that shows the soil is becoming weaker."

Residents blame rapid construction on slopes, poor drainage systems, and the removal of trees for worsening the problem. Environmental experts warn that developments significantly increase the risk of erosion during extreme rainfall events. Climate scientists say extreme rainfall events are becoming more frequent across West Africa. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has indicated that even in areas where annual rainfall totals remain stable, storms are now delivering larger volumes of rain within shorter periods, increasing the risk of flooding, erosion, and landslides.

The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) says it is stepping up awareness creation and community education in vulnerable areas to help reduce disaster risks. The Ghana Hydrological Authority is calling for urgent interventions to prevent future destruction.