Josiah
Presenting the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review to Parliament, Dr. Forson said the government is intensifying measures to address the devastating floods that struck parts of the capital on June 29, causing widespread destruction and loss of lives.
He revealed that additional resources have been allocated to support the dredging of drains and the construction of key drainage infrastructure in affected areas. According to him, President John Dramani Mahama has also directed the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources to develop a comprehensive and permanent solution to Accra’s persistent flooding problem.
“The President has instructed the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources to design a lasting solution to Accra’s flooding, and I am making additional resources available to support the ongoing dredging and construction of critical drains in affected communities,” Dr. Forson told Parliament.
The Finance Minister noted that the June 29 floods claimed several lives, displaced hundreds of families, destroyed homes and businesses, and caused significant damage to public infrastructure. He said the government responded promptly by visiting the worst-hit communities, releasing emergency relief funds and coordinating a nationwide clean-up exercise to restore affected areas.
Dr. Forson further disclosed that the President has tasked the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources with developing a long-term flood management strategy that will not only address Accra’s flooding challenges but also protect other flood-prone communities across the country.
He explained that funding for the implementation of the permanent flood control measures will be incorporated into the 2027 Budget and the government’s medium-term expenditure framework to ensure sustained investment in resilient infrastructure.
The announcement follows the devastating floods of June 29, which were triggered by several hours of torrential rainfall across Accra. The floods submerged major roads, homes, businesses and vehicles, disrupted economic activity, displaced hundreds of residents and claimed several lives, making it one of the capital’s most destructive flooding events in recent years.
Government officials believe the increased investment in drainage infrastructure, coupled with a comprehensive long-term flood management strategy, will significantly reduce the frequency and impact of flooding while improving the resilience of vulnerable communities across the country.
Source: Omanghana.com
