President John Dramani Mahama has instructed the Minister for Finance to promptly release GH¢300 million from the Contingency Fund to support urgent flood relief and prevention in southern Ghana, in response to the severe floods affecting parts of Accra and nearby areas. The announcement was made in a statement signed by Presidential Spokesperson and Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, on June 30.
The GH¢300 million allocation will be divided equally between immediate humanitarian aid and long-term strategies, with GH¢150 million designated for emergency relief for those impacted by the floods, and the remaining GH¢150 million allocated towards flood prevention initiatives to reduce future occurrences.
This directive is part of the government’s efforts to address the recent flooding in Accra and other regions in the south of the country resulting from heavy rainfall. President Mahama has also instructed the Ghana Armed Forces and the Ghana Police Service to collaborate with NADMO and other security agencies in ongoing rescue and relief operations in the city.
In addition to releasing the funds, President Mahama has taken several other actions in response to the crisis, including conducting an aerial survey of the affected areas, convening a National Security Council meeting, instructing MMDAs to clear blockages in drainage systems, and outlining a strategy to ease congestion in Accra.
The Ghana Meteorological Agency has issued a warning of more rain in southern Ghana, heightening the risk of additional flooding. The public has been cautioned to avoid seeking shelter under trees, steer clear of exposed electrical wires, and refrain from wading or driving through flooded areas. Residents residing in low-lying regions are encouraged to relocate to higher ground and contact 112 for emergency aid.
