Mahama orders local assemblies to identify structures blocking flood channels

President John Dramani Mahama has directed all district assemblies to identify structures obstructing waterways as the government intensifies efforts to address Accra’s recurring flooding.

The directive follows an aerial assessment of flood-hit communities after heavy rains inundated large sections of the capital. On Monday, torrential rainfall triggered widespread flooding, leaving four people dead, submerging homes and causing severe traffic congestion.

The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) has forecast more heavy rain through Tuesday morning, with a 95 percent chance of precipitation.

Earlier in the day, GRIDCo and the Electricity Company of Ghana temporarily shut down power substations at Mallam and Achimota to protect critical infrastructure from rising floodwaters.

Speaking to the media after the inspection, President Mahama said government would no longer tolerate structures that impede the natural flow of water.

“We’re asking every district to identify, together with the Works and Housing Ministry, where the blockages in the channels are as they pass through the district assemblies so that we can earmark those places for removal,” he said.

The President stressed that demolition exercises would be followed by the complete clearance of debris to restore the waterways.

“We’ll not only break the houses. We have to move the rubble out of the way because there’s no use breaking a house and leaving the rubble in the waterways. It’s just the same as leaving the house,” he stated.

Mr Mahama said blocked waterways, unchecked development and indiscriminate waste disposal continue to worsen flooding across the capital despite repeated warnings.

“We’ve said this many times. I’m tired of hearing it. But any time you begin to take action and you start breaking houses, people think that government is inhumane. But when the problem arises like this flood, it affects everybody,” he said.

He noted that government would convene a National Security Council meeting to coordinate the exercise and ensure all affected districts take immediate action.

The President also expressed sympathy to families affected by the floods, describing the destruction of property as extensive.

He commended the military, NADMO, the police, the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources and the 48 Engineers Regiment for rescuing stranded residents.

Mr Mahama added that the Minister for Finance had been instructed to release funds from the contingency fund to support flood victims, while government pursues longer-term measures to improve drainage systems and reduce pressure on Accra through planned urban expansion outside the capital.