President John Dramani Mahama has outlined a comprehensive plan to address the persistent flooding in Accra, combining immediate interventions with a long-term urban redevelopment strategy aimed at reducing the capital’s vulnerability to floods.
The President announced the measures after touring communities affected by the recent flooding, which displaced residents, damaged property, and disrupted economic activity across parts of the Greater Accra Region.
According to President Mahama, the government will begin identifying and clearly demarcating blocked drains and waterways within the various Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies to facilitate their clearance and restore the natural flow of stormwater.
He said the initiative forms part of a broader commitment to implement both short-term emergency measures and sustainable long-term solutions to safeguard lives, property and critical infrastructure from recurring floods.
The President stressed that flood management requires a holistic approach, warning that simply demolishing structures obstructing waterways would not solve the problem if demolition debris is left behind to block drainage channels.
He noted that government is developing a long-term urban renewal programme expected to span approximately 20 years, with planning and design work already in progress.
Under the proposed programme, affected areas will be properly demarcated before roads, drainage infrastructure, and essential public utilities—including water and electricity—are provided to support orderly residential and commercial development.
President Mahama said the strategy is intended to improve urban planning, strengthen climate resilience, and provide a lasting solution to the flooding challenges that have affected Accra for decades.
