Government intensifies flood response as heavy rains wreak havoc in Accra, Tema

Ghana's government is escalating its response to severe flooding that has inundated Accra, Tema, and nearby regions due to persistent heavy rains since June 27. The Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, announced the intensified efforts on June 29.

Minister Adjei, accompanied by President John Dramani Mahama and members of the Anti-Flood Task Force, visited the affected areas to investigate the flood causes and evaluate potential solutions. He conveyed the government's sympathy to those impacted, acknowledging the significant disruption and economic hardship faced by households, traders, 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," Adjei stated.

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To those who have suffered losses, we wish to assure you that Government remains fully committed to supporting relief, recovery, and reconstruction efforts.

The minister highlighted the increasing challenges from extreme weather, rapid urbanization, and strain on drainage systems. He noted that while climate change intensifies rainfall, human activities like waterway encroachment, improper waste disposal, and non-compliance with planning regulations significantly worsen the impact. Adjei stressed that effective flood management requires a collective effort from public institutions, local authorities, traditional leaders, businesses, and citizens.

In response to the ongoing crisis, the Ministry, through the Ghana Hydrological Authority, is collaborating with NADMO, the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council, MMDAs, and security services. Immediate actions include deploying emergency teams, assisting with evacuations, distributing relief items, assessing damaged infrastructure, and clearing drainage channels in flood-prone areas. The government is also pursuing long-term solutions such as expanding and rehabilitating drainage infrastructure, enforcing development controls in floodplains, improving early warning systems, and restoring natural water retention areas. Residents in vulnerable locations are urged to prioritize safety and follow flood protocols, including moving to higher ground when necessary.

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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.