The Member of Parliament for Bantama, Francis Asenso-Boakye, has called on the government to organise a one-week nationwide flood emergency preparedness exercise following the heavy rains that flooded parts of Accra on Monday.
Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, June 30, he said the exercise would help state institutions prepare for more rainfall, which weather forecasts suggest could continue in the coming days.
He proposed that Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), the Hydrological Services Authority, the security agencies and other relevant institutions use the period to step up flood prevention activities.
These activities, he said, should include desilting drains, removing waste blocking waterways, positioning emergency response teams in flood-prone communities and educating the public on flood safety.
“As more heavy rains are expected, I respectfully call on Government to declare a one-week national flood emergency preparedness exercise to enable Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, NADMO, the Hydrological Services Authority, the Security Agencies and other stakeholders to intensify desilting, clear blocked drains, remove obstructions from waterways, preposition emergency teams and strengthen public education,” he told Parliament.
The appeal comes after Monday’s floods caused widespread destruction across the Greater Accra Region. The disaster claimed the lives of 12 people, forced 38,802 residents from their homes, affected 7,761 households and damaged homes, businesses and public infrastructure.
Francis Asenso-Boakye also expressed concern about what he described as the government’s failure to maintain momentum on key flood control projects.
He said several important interventions started under the previous administration now appear to have slowed down or stopped completely.
According to him, major works such as the dredging of the Odaw River, the Achimota Abofu drain, the South Kaneshie drain and the Busia Highway drainage project were progressing before the change in government.
He urged the government to brief Parliament on the current status of these projects and outline clear plans for their completion.
“Before leaving office, major works, including the Odaw dredging, Achimota Abofu drain, South Kaneshie drain and the Busia Highway, were underway. It is regrettable that reports suggest several of these projects have slowed down or stalled. I therefore urge government to provide this House with a comprehensive update on their status and ensure their timely completion,” he said.
The Bantama MP stressed that sustained investment in flood prevention infrastructure remains essential if Ghana is to reduce the impact of recurring floods and better protect lives and property.
