‘We All Have to Be Self-Police’ — Keche Andrew on Accra Floods and Littering

Ghanaian musician Keche Andrew has reacted to the devastating floods that recently affected several parts of Accra, arguing that irresponsible waste disposal by residents is one of the biggest contributors to the recurring disaster.

Speaking in a video shared on his official TikTok page, the musician used humour to make a serious point, saying he wanted to visit a police station to find out whether ordinary citizens could be given a “license” to help enforce laws against people who litter indiscriminately.

According to Keche Andrew, communities have reached a point where residents must take responsibility for protecting their surroundings if flooding is to be reduced.

“I want to go to the police station and ask if they can give us a license to beat someone, because at this point we all have to be self-police to stop the floods,” he said jokingly.

He explained that if such a system existed, anyone caught dumping rubbish into gutters, drains or flowing water would be apprehended before being handed over to the police.

“When you see anyone dumping refuse into gutters, from cars or into water bodies, we should catch them and deal with them before taking them to the police station. That’s what we need to do,” he remarked.

Keche Andrew stressed that while heavy rainfall plays a role in flooding, human behaviour remains a major cause of the problem. He criticised people who deliberately dispose of waste in drains and waterways, saying such actions block drainage systems and worsen flooding whenever it rains.

The musician also condemned the practice of some residents waiting until rainfall begins before emptying household refuse into the rushing water, believing the rain will carry the waste away.

According to him, these habits significantly contribute to choked gutters and recurring floods across the capital.

“Our attitudes are part of the recent floods; we dump refuse anywhere,” he added.