The Government says it has intensified its response to widespread flooding following days of heavy rainfall across Accra, Tema and surrounding communities, while urging the public to cooperate with authorities to address the recurring challenge.
In a press release issued on Monday, June 29, the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources said Minister Kenneth Gilbert Adjei accompanied President John Dramani Mahama and members of the Anti-Flood Task Force on a tour of flood-affected areas to assess the impact of the rains and review the causes of the flooding as well as proposed remedial measures.
According to the Ministry, sustained heavy rainfall since June 27 has led to flooding that has affected homes, businesses and public infrastructure, particularly in low-lying communities, disrupting economic and social activities.
The Ministry expressed sympathy to individuals, families and businesses affected by the floods, stating that the government remains committed to supporting relief, recovery and reconstruction efforts.
“We fully appreciate the pain, disruption, and economic hardship that these events will impose on households, traders, transport operators, and businesses. To those who have suffered losses, we wish to assure you that Government remains fully committed to supporting relief, recovery, and reconstruction efforts,” the statement said.
The Ministry said the recent flooding underscores the growing challenges posed by extreme weather patterns, rapid urbanisation and increasing pressure on drainage infrastructure. It also cited encroachment on waterways, indiscriminate waste disposal and non-compliance with planning regulations as major factors contributing to the flooding.
“The current situation once again highlights the growing challenges posed by extreme weather patterns, rapid urbanisation, and increasing pressure on drainage infrastructure. While climate variability continues to intensify rainfall events, the impact of human activities, particularly encroachment on waterways, indiscriminate waste disposal, and non-compliance with planning regulations cannot be overstated,” the statement said.
The Ministry said the Ghana Hydrological Authority is working with the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), security services and other stakeholders to implement immediate response measures.
According to the statement, these interventions include the deployment of emergency response teams, evacuation support where necessary, the provision of relief items to displaced persons, ongoing assessment of damaged infrastructure and intensified drainage clearing activities in critical flood-prone locations.
The Ministry also noted that the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council, in collaboration with MMDAs, has in recent weeks undertaken enforcement operations to remove illegal structures and other obstructions along drainage channels, waterways, wetlands and other natural water retention areas. It said the Ministry would continue to work with relevant authorities to sustain the exercise.
It further announced plans to undertake extensive desilting and excavation of major drainage channels and waterways that have become silted following the recent rains, as well as construct new drainage channels aligned with natural water pathways to improve stormwater flow.
The statement added that the government is advancing broader interventions, including the expansion and rehabilitation of drainage infrastructure, enforcement of development controls in floodplains, strengthening of early warning systems, and the restoration of wetlands, lagoons and natural water detention areas to reduce flood vulnerability.
The Ministry advised residents, particularly those living near rivers, lagoons, drains and low-lying areas, to observe flood safety measures by moving to higher ground where necessary, avoiding walking or driving through floodwaters, and keeping children away from flooded areas.
It also appealed to the public to support government efforts by refraining from dumping waste into drains, avoiding construction on waterways and complying with environmental and planning regulations.
“Together, through collective responsibility, discipline, and adherence to safety measures, we can significantly reduce the effects of flooding, safeguard lives and livelihoods, and build safer, more resilient communities for present and future generations,” the statement said.
