Minister of State for Government Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu has dismissed claims that President John Dramani Mahama’s recent reference to the release of GH¢150 million was connected to an allocation for the National Security apparatus.
Mr Ofosu said the President was specifically referring to funds earmarked for post-flood mitigation works, urging the public to disregard what he described as attempts to distort the President’s remarks for partisan purposes.
In a statement, the Minister said some individuals had sought to misrepresent the President’s words in a video circulating online.
“The President clearly speaks of the ‘release’ of GHS 150 million which was in direct reference to funds for post-flood mitigation works,” Mr Ofosu said.
He added that the President’s discussion with the National Security Coordinator was strictly in the context of the post-flood mitigation allocation.
“That is what he was discussing with the National Security Coordinator and nothing more,” he said, describing contrary interpretations as “mischievous lies.”
Background
The controversy comes against the backdrop of the government’s emergency response to devastating floods that hit Accra and other parts of southern Ghana in late June.
On June 30, President John Dramani Mahama directed the immediate release of GH¢300 million from the Contingency Fund to support flood relief and mitigation efforts. The Presidency initially indicated that GH¢150 million would be allocated for emergency relief to flood victims and affected communities, while a further GH¢150 million would be used for flood mitigation projects.
The government subsequently announced the release of GH¢350 million under the National Emergency Flood Response Programme. According to the Ministry of Finance, GH¢200 million was earmarked for urgent relief interventions, while GH¢150 million was allocated to flood mitigation measures.
The variation between the amount cited in the President’s initial directive and the subsequent disbursement has since generated public and political debate.
The issue also attracted criticism from the parliamentary Minority, which questioned aspects of the government’s handling of the flood funds. Mr Ofosu subsequently defended the government’s actions, maintaining that the release of the funds was lawful and that the Attorney-General’s involvement was limited to providing a legal opinion.
The GH¢150 million mitigation allocation forms part of broader government efforts to address the country’s recurring flooding challenges beyond immediate relief for affected communities.
The late-June floods caused widespread disruption in Accra and other parts of the country, affecting homes, businesses and critical infrastructure.
In response, the government deployed security personnel, launched emergency relief operations and initiated measures to clear drains and waterways as part of efforts to reduce the impact of the floods and prevent further incidents.
