The Government has stepped up emergency response efforts following widespread flooding caused by days of heavy rainfall across Accra, Tema and surrounding communities, with authorities urging the public to support measures aimed at addressing the country’s persistent flood challenges.
The Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, Hon. Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, made the appeal on Monday after accompanying President John Dramani Mahama and members of the Anti-Flood Task Force on an inspection tour of flood-hit areas across the Greater Accra Region.
According to the Minister, the visit enabled government officials to assess the extent of the flooding, validate its causes, and evaluate immediate and long-term solutions.
“Since 27th June 2026, Accra, Tema and surrounding areas have experienced sustained heavy rains, leading to widespread flooding that has affected homes, businesses, and public infrastructure, particularly in low-lying areas, and disrupted economic and social activities,” he stated.
Hon. Adjei expressed government’s sympathy to individuals, families and businesses affected by the floods, assuring them of continued support.
“On behalf of the Government of Ghana and the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources, I express my sympathy to all individuals, families, and communities affected by the flooding. Government remains fully committed to supporting relief, recovery, and reconstruction efforts,” he said.
The Minister attributed the recurring floods to a combination of extreme weather patterns, rapid urbanisation and human activities, including indiscriminate waste disposal, encroachment on waterways and disregard for planning regulations.
He stressed that addressing the problem requires collective responsibility.
“Sustainable flood management can only be achieved when we collectively protect waterways, maintain proper sanitation, and adhere strictly to land-use and environmental regulations,” he emphasized.
Hon. Adjei disclosed that the Ministry, through the Ghana Hydrological Authority, is collaborating with the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), security agencies and other stakeholders to implement emergency interventions.
The measures include deploying emergency response teams, supporting evacuations where necessary, distributing relief items to displaced persons, assessing damaged infrastructure and intensifying drainage clearing operations in flood-prone communities.
He also noted that enforcement exercises to remove illegal structures obstructing drains, waterways and wetlands have been intensified in recent weeks and will continue alongside major desilting and excavation works to restore the flow of stormwater.
The Minister further revealed that government is pursuing broader interventions, including expanding and rehabilitating drainage infrastructure, enforcing development controls in flood-prone areas, strengthening early warning systems, and restoring wetlands and lagoons to reduce the country’s vulnerability to flooding.
He urged residents, especially those living near rivers, lagoons, drains and other low-lying areas, to remain vigilant by moving to higher ground when necessary, avoiding driving or walking through floodwaters and ensuring children stay away from flooded areas.
Hon. Adjei appealed to the public to complement government’s efforts by refraining from dumping refuse 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,” he said.
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
