The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Ocloo, has announced a series of emergency measures aimed at reducing the impact of flooding across the region as authorities prepare for more heavy rains in the coming weeks.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, May 25, Madam Ocloo said recent downpours had already claimed lives in some communities, while forecasts from the Ghana Meteorological Agency indicate that more intense rainfall is expected.
She described the situation as critical and called for urgent cooperation between government agencies and residents to prevent further devastation.
“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 said.
According to the Minister, all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies have been directed to step up flood prevention activities immediately.
The measures include large-scale desilting of gutters and drains, clearing refuse from waterways, inspecting drainage systems and removing unauthorised structures obstructing the free flow of water.
“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 an impending operation to remove unauthorised transport terminals and roadside lorry stations occupying public spaces and contributing to traffic congestion.
“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 stated.
Several flood-prone communities have meanwhile been placed 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.
To improve emergency response, the Regional Minister said district and regional response teams have been activated in partnership with the Ghana National Fire Service, Ghana Police Service, Ghana Armed Forces and the National Ambulance Service.
Relief supplies such as food items, mattresses, blankets, first aid kits and life jackets have also been positioned at strategic locations across the region.
In addition, temporary shelters including schools, assembly halls, community centres and religious facilities situated on safer grounds have been identified to house residents who may be displaced by severe flooding.
Madam Ocloo further disclosed that the Weija Dam has been opened due to rising water levels caused by persistent rainfall.
“The controlled release of excess water has become necessary to prevent structural damage and ensure public safety,” she explained.
She acknowledged that some nearby communities had already been affected and revealed that members of the Regional Security Council would undertake inspection and evacuation exercises immediately after the briefing.
Residents living in vulnerable areas have been advised to stay alert and relocate where necessary during heavy rainfall.
“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 ensure sanitation taskforces are deployed 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, Madam Ocloo announced that the Regional Coordinating Council, working together with the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, has installed 3,000 solar streetlights along major roads in the region to improve visibility and curb cable theft.
Roads benefiting from the project include the stretch from Katamanso School Junction to Botwe School Junction, Ntreh Avenue, Adjei Onanor Street, Ashyie Fulani Road and the Amanfrom to Katamanso road.
She concluded by urging residents to stop dumping refuse into drains and waterways, insisting that flood prevention is a shared 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.