President John Dramani Mahama has directed the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and other relevant state agencies to undertake a comprehensive assessment of Ghana’s flood situation following recent flooding incidents that have affected several parts of the country, particularly Accra.
The directive was issued on Tuesday, June 9, shortly after the President returned from an official visit to Belarus. Speaking at the Accra International Airport, President Mahama said the assessment would help government identify critical flood-prone areas and restricted waterways to inform both immediate and long-term interventions.
According to the President, the intensity of this year’s rainfall, which began in May and has continued into June, has worsened flooding in many communities and caused significant disruptions to residents and businesses.
President Mahama expressed concern over human activities that continue to aggravate the flooding problem, especially the construction of buildings in waterways and vulnerable flood-prone zones. He questioned how some of these developments received official approval and called for greater accountability in the country’s physical planning and development control systems.
“But some of the houses have building permits. How did they get them? So we have to do some soul-searching,” the President stated.
He stressed the need for authorities to take decisive action against encroachment on waterways and other restricted areas, noting that recurring floods require more than temporary responses.
The President urged state institutions to adopt a proactive approach to flood prevention rather than waiting for disasters to occur before taking action.
“We shouldn’t be like the vulture who says he will repair his roof when the rain stops,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of sustained corrective measures.
As part of the directive, NADMO and other relevant agencies have been tasked with mapping all restricted waterways across the country and implementing corrective measures once the assessment is completed.
Recent heavy rains have caused widespread flooding in several communities across Greater Accra and other regions, reigniting concerns over drainage infrastructure, urban planning, and environmental management.
