The Council of State has expressed its deepest sympathy to individuals, families and communities affected by the recent floods in parts of the country, particularly in the Greater Accra Region, while calling for stronger preventive measures to address Ghana’s recurring flood disasters.
In a statement signed by the Acting Executive Secretary for the Chairman of the Council of State, the Council extended condolences to families who lost loved ones and sympathised with those who sustained injuries, were displaced from their homes or lost property and livelihoods.
The Council commended the efforts of the Government, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), the Ghana Armed Forces, the Ghana National Fire Service, the Ghana Police Service, health workers, volunteers and other first responders for their role in rescuing affected persons and providing relief.
It noted that during a recent engagement with NADMO, the organisation outlined measures to strengthen disaster preparedness, including the revival of its volunteer network with an updated database of citizens willing to assist during emergencies, as well as its presence at the national, regional and district levels to enhance monitoring and response.
While acknowledging the importance of emergency response, the Council stressed that greater attention must be given to flood prevention. It identified poor sanitation, choked drainage systems, unauthorised developments on waterways and wetlands, and weak enforcement of planning and building regulations as major contributors to the recurring floods.
The Council therefore called on Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies to strictly enforce planning regulations, prevent development in flood-prone areas, ensure compliance with approved building standards and intensify sanitation efforts through regular drainage maintenance and improved waste management.
It also recommended that NADMO’s expertise be integrated into the planning of major infrastructure and development projects through disaster risk assessments, particularly in areas vulnerable to flooding and other natural hazards.
The Council further commended President John Dramani Mahama for directing the Ministry of Finance to release funds to support NADMO and flood victims, describing the intervention as a timely measure that would strengthen the organisation’s preparedness and operational capacity while providing immediate relief and rehabilitation support to affected communities.
It appealed to the private sector, development partners and other public institutions to support NADMO with equipment, logistics and financial assistance to enhance its first-response capabilities.
The Council also urged citizens to observe sanitation regulations, refrain from dumping refuse into drains and waterways, comply with planning regulations and pay attention to weather advisories issued by the Ghana Meteorological Agency and other relevant institutions.
It concluded by calling for a sustained national commitment involving government, local authorities, the private sector, traditional leaders and citizens to address the root causes of flooding, build resilient communities and safeguard lives and property.
