President John Dramani Mahama has directed the flood taskforce of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and other relevant state agencies to prepare a comprehensive presentation on Ghana’s flooding situation following recent floods that affected several parts of the country, particularly Accra.
According to the President, the assessment will help government identify critical flood-prone areas, including restricted waterways, and guide both immediate and long-term measures aimed at addressing the recurring challenge.
President Mahama issued the directive on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at the Accra International Airport shortly after returning from an official visit to Belarus.
The directive comes in the wake of widespread flooding in several communities after heavy and prolonged rainfall, with parts of Accra among the hardest-hit areas.
The President observed that this year’s rains, which began in May and have continued into June, have been more intense than in previous years, worsening the flooding situation and causing significant disruption in affected communities.
He also expressed concern about human activities that continue to contribute to flooding, particularly the construction of buildings in waterways and other vulnerable areas.
Questioning how some of these developments received official approval, President Mahama called for greater accountability in physical planning and development control.
“But some of the houses have building permits. How did they get them? So we have to do some soul-searching,” he said.
The President stressed the need for authorities to take decisive action to halt further encroachment on waterways and flood-prone lands.
He further urged state institutions to move beyond reactive responses to flooding, warning against the tendency to act only after disasters have occurred.
“We shouldn’t be like the vulture who says he will repair his roof when the rain stops,” he said, adding that government must pursue sustained and preventive measures rather than rely on temporary solutions.
President Mahama directed NADMO and other relevant agencies to collaborate in mapping all restricted waterways across the country and implement corrective measures based on the findings of the assessment.
He also underscored the importance of public education on environmental management and flood prevention, calling on the Government Communications Department and other institutions to intensify public awareness campaigns.
According to the President, strict enforcement of planning regulations, enhanced public education and improved infrastructure planning will be crucial in reducing flooding risks and preventing future disasters.
