Greater Accra Regional Minister Linda Ocloo has announced a series of emergency measures to combat flooding across the region as authorities warn of more heavy rains in the coming weeks.
Addressing a press conference on Monday, May 25, Madam Ocloo said recent downpours had already claimed lives in parts of the region, while forecasts from the Ghana Meteorological Agency indicate that more intense rainfall is expected.
She said the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council, working together with NADMO, security agencies, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), and other stakeholders, had intensified preparations to respond to possible flood emergencies.
“It is against this backdrop that the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council, in collaboration with NADMO, MMDAs, security agencies and other stakeholders, has intensified measures to prepare the region to respond effectively to any emergency that may arise during this rainy season,” she stated.
According to the Minister, all MMDAs have been directed to step up flood prevention activities, including desilting gutters and drains, clearing refuse from waterways and demolishing unauthorised structures blocking water flow.
“We know the rains are unavoidable, but we must all play our roles effectively to minimise the impact of flooding,” she stressed.
Madam Ocloo also announced plans to remove unauthorised roadside lorry stations and transport terminals obstructing roads and public spaces.
“All unauthorised lorry stations and transport terminals located along roads and within unauthorised public spaces are to be removed immediately in the interest of public safety and effective city management,” she said.
The Minister disclosed that several flood-prone areas are under close monitoring. These include Kaneshie, Alajo, Odawna, Circle, Weija, Tetegu, Ashalaja, Dansoman, Adabraka, Ashaiman, Tema Communities 1 and 2, Madina, Adenta, Lakeside, Borteyman, Pantang and Kwabenya.
She said emergency response teams involving the Ghana National Fire Service, Ghana Police Service, Ghana Armed Forces and National Ambulance Service had been activated.
Relief items such as food, blankets, mattresses, first aid kits and life jackets have also been positioned at strategic locations.
Temporary shelters, including schools, community centres and assembly halls, have also been identified to house displaced persons if severe flooding occurs.
Madam Ocloo further revealed that the Weija Dam has been opened due to rising water levels caused by continuous rainfall.
“The controlled release of excess water has become necessary to prevent structural damage and ensure public safety,” she explained.
She added that nearby communities had already been affected and announced that the Regional Security Council would begin inspection and evacuation exercises immediately after the briefing.
Residents in vulnerable communities were advised to stay alert and relocate when necessary during heavy rains.
“Motorists and pedestrians must avoid driving or walking through flooded roads and drains, as many lives have been lost in similar circumstances in the past,” she cautioned.
The Minister also directed all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives to deploy sanitation taskforces after every rainfall to clear debris and prevent drains from becoming blocked.
“No more sitting in the office, because the work is on the grounds,” she charged.
On infrastructure and public safety, she disclosed that the Regional Coordinating Council, in partnership with the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, had installed 3,000 solar streetlights on major roads across the region.
Roads benefiting from the project include the Katamanso School Junction to Botwe School Junction stretch, Ntreh Avenue, Adjei Onanor Street, Ashyie Fulani Road and Amanfrom to Katamanso.
Madam Ocloo concluded by urging residents to stop dumping refuse into drains and waterways, stressing that flood prevention requires collective responsibility.
“Flood prevention is not the responsibility of government alone. It requires collective discipline and active participation from all residents of the region,” she said.
