President announces demolition of structures, relief funds to tackle floods impact

President John Dramani Mahama Monday announced relief funds for flood victims, demolition of structures obstructing major waterways and other tougher measures to permanently address Accra’s perennial flooding.

The President, therefore, directed Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), in collaboration with the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources, to identify all structures obstructing major drainage channels for demolition.
They should also ensure that debris from the exercise was cleared to restore the free flow of storm water.

President Mahama announced the measures after touring flood-affected communities in Accra, Tema and surrounding areas with members of the Anti-Flood Task Force to assess the impact of the disaster.

The President also said the Finance Minister would release funds from the Contingency Fund to support relief efforts for victims of Monday’s floods and directed the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) to identify affected persons and provide immediate assistance.

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“We must find a permanent solution to the flooding challenge in Accra,” he emphasised. “We should not behave like the proverbial vulture that says it will repair its roof after the rains, only to forget about it once the weather clears.”

“This time, we must act differently. Together, we must ensure that lasting solutions are implemented so that this cycle of devastating floods does not continue year after year.”

President Mahama noted that demolishing buildings alone would not solve the problem unless drainage channels were completely cleared.

“These structures will be earmarked for removal. We will not only demolish the obstructing buildings but also clear away the rubble.
“There is no point demolishing a structure if the debris is left behind to continue obstructing the waterways,” he said.

The President said Government would also convene a meeting of the National Security Council to consider urgent measures to protect waterways and enforce planning regulations.

“We have spoken about this issue repeatedly over the years. However, whenever government begins removing structures built in waterways, some people accuse us of being inhumane,” he explained.

“Yet when disasters such as today’s flooding occur, the consequences affect everyone. The irresponsible actions of a few individuals end up putting entire communities at risk.”

President Mahama, however attributed the worsening floods to a combination of climate change, engineering challenges and human activities.

He said preliminary data indicated that about 140 millimetres of rainfall fell over Accra on Monday, one of the highest single-day totals recorded in recent years, compared with about 56 millimetres recorded on the wettest day last year.

According to the Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet), Accra recorded about 85 millimetres of rainfall during June 2024.
The figure increased to 172 millimetres over the same period in 2025 and rose sharply to about 333 millimetres in June 2026.

The President said increasing rainfall volumes meant drainage systems had little time to recover before subsequent downpours, noting that rain fell on about 22 of the 30 days in June.

He explained that although climate change was beyond human control, rapid urbanisation had blocked the natural waterways that once carried floodwaters from the Akwapim Mountain Range to the Atlantic Ocean.

“We, therefore, need engineering solutions that will reopen these waterways and allow floodwaters to flow freely into the Atlantic Ocean.”
President Mahama also blamed indiscriminate dumping of refuse, poor sanitation and illegal developments on waterways for aggravating the flooding situation.

He said an aerial inspection had revealed wetlands being used as illegal dumping grounds before being reclaimed and sold for housing development.

“We must, therefore, tackle this challenge from both an engineering and an enforcement perspective by opening blocked channels and identifying structures obstructing the natural flow of water,” he stressed.

President Mahama commended the Ghana Armed Forces, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), the Ghana Police Service, the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources, emergency response teams and the 48 Engineers Regiment for their swift rescue operations.

“I have watched several videos showing rescue personnel carrying stranded residents to safety and deploying boats to save lives. Their dedication has undoubtedly prevented an even greater tragedy,” he said.

The Ghana National Fire Service has confirmed four recorded deaths across the city.
Properties valued at millions of cedis have been also lost.

Source: GNA