“I always want to keep the record very straight. I made sure to install a flood mark to remind the next generation.”
Biography
James is a retired educationist and respected elder in Mepe who values the documentation of history. Having lived through both the 1963 and 2023 floods, he brings a reflective and historical perspective to Mepe’s experience.
Before the flood
He lived with his family in Mepe and often shared stories about past floods, reminding younger residents of their need to prepare.
During the flood
He recalls the water rising rapidly on 11 October 2023 around 6:30 p.m. The walls of his compound house collapsed, and he had to organize local youth to save what they could. His family was sent to Accra for safety. The floodwaters stayed for about 18 days.
After the flood
Once the water receded, he began documenting the event by marking water levels on his house wall—a permanent reminder. Reconstruction was slow, and emotional trauma remained long after.
Thought's about the future
James believes such floods will happen again and that the community must not forget. He advocates for documentation, proper records, and collective memory to help Mepe prepare for future disasters.
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Name:
James -
Role:
educationist -
Age:
70 -
Town:
Mepe -
Interview Date:
2025-03-11