The World Bank has attributed major delays in the implementation of the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) Project to fiscal restrictions introduced by the Ministry of Finance, warning that the setbacks could affect efforts to address flooding in the capital.
In its latest implementation report released in May 2026, the Bank downgraded the project’s implementation rating from satisfactory to “Moderately Unsatisfactory,” citing funding challenges that slowed key activities despite the project being fully financed.
The concerns come just days after the June 29 floods in Accra, which claimed at least 12 lives and once again exposed the city’s persistent drainage and flood management problems.
The $350 million GARID Project was designed to strengthen flood prevention measures, improve solid waste management and build urban resilience across several municipalities in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area.
The initiative includes major drainage works, urban upgrading projects, waste management interventions, institutional reforms and emergency response systems.
According to the World Bank, while some aspects of the project have recorded progress, several critical infrastructure works remain behind schedule.
The Bank noted that the flood early warning system has been completed and is operational, while waste collection services in underserved communities have exceeded targets.
However, many construction projects have advanced slowly despite engineering designs being largely completed. Some contractors continue to miss deadlines, while decisions on poorly performing contracts have yet to be made.
The World Bank said fiscal measures introduced in 2025 contributed significantly to the delays.
These included limits on project disbursements and the temporary withdrawal of GH¢13.8 million from the project’s account, resulting in cash flow difficulties, delayed payments to contractors and slower execution of works.
Although the government has taken steps to ease the situation, including processing a $10.5 million withdrawal and returning the withdrawn funds, the Bank says funding challenges remain.
The project is estimated to require $40.8 million this year, but only about $17.5 million has been allocated so far.
As of April 2026, only $137 million, about 40 percent of the total project funding, had been disbursed. The World Bank has cautioned that continued delays in funding approvals could further disrupt implementation and threaten the project’s ability to meet its objectives before completion.
