By Celestine Avi and Seth Eyiah
The government has launched a nationwide post-flood clean-up and recovery exercise to restore affected communities and prevent further disasters following the devastating floods that hit parts of the Greater Accra, Volta and Central regions. The initiative, backed by a GHS350 million emergency intervention package, will see the Ghana Armed Forces lead operations in collaboration with key state institutions, local assemblies and private sector partners.
Government says the exercise forms part of a comprehensive post-flood recovery and mitigation programme activated after the heavy rains of June 28 and 29 caused widespread destruction across several communities.
Following an aerial assessment of the affected areas by President John Mahama, a National Post-Flood Mitigation Task Force was established to coordinate relief, recovery and long-term flood prevention measures.
Government has committed GHS350 million to support emergency relief, clean-up operations and flood mitigation efforts.
The Ghana Armed Forces will spearhead the operational response, working alongside NADMO, the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana National Fire Service, the Ghana Health Service, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, and other relevant agencies.
The nationwide exercise will focus on clearing refuse, silt, debris, fallen trees, abandoned vehicles and collapsed structures from roads, drains and waterways to improve sanitation and reduce the risk of disease outbreaks.
Authorities say structures illegally occupying waterways and posing a threat to public safety may be removed in accordance with the law.
Government has also acknowledged the support of private sector organisations providing heavy equipment and logistics, while equipment under the District Road Improvement Programme will be deployed to reinforce the operation.
Residents have been urged to cooperate with officials, avoid indiscriminate dumping of refuse, keep drains clear and observe public health directives as government pursues a broader strategy to strengthen Ghana’s resilience against future flooding.
