By: Ashiadey Dotse
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 report on Ghana’s flooding situation following recent floods that affected several parts of the country, especially Accra.
The President issued the directive on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, shortly after arriving at the Accra International Airport from an official visit to Belarus.
According to President Mahama, the report will help government identify flood-prone areas, including blocked and restricted waterways, and guide both immediate and long-term measures to address the recurring flooding problem.
His comments come after heavy and prolonged rains caused widespread flooding in several communities, with many parts of Accra among the worst affected.
President Mahama said this year’s rains, which started in May and have continued into June, have been more intense than in previous years, worsening the flooding situation and disrupting the lives of many residents.
The President also expressed concern about human activities that contribute to flooding, particularly the construction of buildings in waterways and other vulnerable locations.
He questioned how some of these developments received official approval and 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.
President Mahama stressed the need for authorities to take stronger action against encroachment on waterways and flood-prone lands to prevent future disasters.
He further urged state institutions to move beyond routine responses to flooding and focus on long-term solutions.
“We shouldn’t be like the vulture who says he will repair his roof when the rain stops,” the President stated, warning against waiting for disasters before taking action.
As part of the government’s response, he directed NADMO and other agencies to work together to map all restricted waterways across the country and implement corrective measures after the assessment.
The President also highlighted the importance of public education on environmental management and flood prevention. He called on the Government Communications Department and other institutions to intensify public awareness campaigns.
According to him, strict enforcement of planning regulations, increased public education and improved infrastructure planning will be key to reducing flooding risks and protecting lives and property in the future.
