Accra: President John Dramani Mahama has initiated a seven-member Anti-Flood Taskforce to tackle the recurring flooding issues in the country. The taskforce is chaired by Mr. Stanislav Xoese Dogbe, who is the Deputy Chief of Staff at the Presidency responsible for Operations.
According to Ghana News Agency, the taskforce includes Mr. Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, the Minister of Water Resources, Works and Housing; Mr. Ahmed Ibrahim, Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs; Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Abdul Osman Razak, National Security Coordinator; Mr. Teddy Addi, Deputy Director-General of National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO); and Madam Marietta Brew Appiah-Oppong, Legal Counsel to the President and Secretary to the Taskforce.
The taskforce conducted an aerial reconnaissance on Wednesday to evaluate flood-prone areas and collect crucial data aimed at preventing future flooding. Key areas assessed included Weija, Sakumono Ramsar Site, and Tema Fishing Harbour.
Mr. Dogbe indicated that the Government would enforce stricter measures to address the persistent flooding issues. He announced plans for the local government, in collaboration with the 48 Engineers Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces, to start desilting drains immediately. A road reconnaissance survey is also planned to carry out similar assessments.
Brigadier General Richard Kinney, Commander of the Engineer Brigade of the Ghana Armed Forces, cited resident indiscipline in flood-prone areas as a major cause of long-standing flooding in the capital. He emphasized that preventing construction in waterways would be a key measure.
Mr. Ahmed Ibrahim assured that reconnaissance efforts would extend to other regions. He stated, "The rains will be setting in soon, and permanent solutions should be taken. But in the interim, maintenance works like desilting must be the immediate step."
