President John Dramani Mahama has directed the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and other relevant state agencies to undertake a comprehensive assessment of flood-prone areas across the country in response to recent flooding incidents, particularly in Accra.
The directive, issued on Tuesday upon his return from an official visit to Belarus, forms part of efforts to develop both immediate and long-term strategies to tackle the recurring challenge of flooding in Ghana.
Speaking at the Accra International Airport, President Mahama said the assessment would provide government with critical information on vulnerable communities, restricted waterways and areas that require urgent intervention.
According to him, the findings will guide authorities in implementing measures aimed at reducing the impact of floods and preventing future disasters.
The President noted that this year’s rainy season has been particularly intense, with heavy rains that began in May continuing into June and worsening flooding in several parts of the country. He observed that the situation has caused significant disruption to affected communities and highlighted the need for a more proactive approach to flood management.
President Mahama also expressed concern over human activities that continue to contribute to the problem, especially the construction of buildings in waterways and other flood-prone locations.
Questioning how some developments in such areas received official approval, he called for accountability among institutions responsible for 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.
The President stressed the need for stricter enforcement of planning regulations and decisive action against encroachment on waterways to prevent future flooding.
He further urged state institutions to move beyond routine emergency responses and focus on sustainable solutions that address the root causes of the problem.
“We shouldn’t be like the vulture who says he will repair his roof when the rain stops,” he said, adding that government must pursue lasting corrective measures rather than temporary interventions.
President Mahama subsequently directed NADMO and relevant agencies to work together to identify and map all restricted waterways nationwide, with the aim of implementing corrective measures once the assessment is completed.
The move comes as authorities intensify efforts to address the growing threat of flooding, which continues to affect lives, property and economic activities in many parts of the country during the rainy season.
