The Akufo-Addo administration committed over GHS 550 million towards emergency flood relief, drainage rehabilitation, and waterway desilting in Accra over eight years. This financial commitment supported a broader strategy to address the city's perennial flooding issues. Richard Ahiagbah, the Director of Communications for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), stated these figures on June 30.
Mr. Ahiagbah explained that the previous government viewed flooding as a deep-rooted structural development problem. This problem required sustained engineering and infrastructure investments, not just short-term fixes. The allocated funds aimed to lay a long-term foundation for flood management. This approach targeted the root causes of flooding that have affected Accra for decades.
This initiative fits into Ghana's ongoing struggle with urban development and climate resilience. Accra, the capital city, frequently experiences severe flooding during rainy seasons. The economic impact includes property damage, displacement, and disruption of commerce. Data from the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) often show significant losses after major flood events. Previous governments have faced criticism for reactive measures rather than proactive solutions.
Mr. Ahiagbah emphasized that the Akufo-Addo–Bawumia government recognized the need for coordinated planning. He noted that in 2017, a Cabinet Sub-Committee was formed to create a national flood management strategy, especially for Accra. “Flooding in Accra is not new. It has challenged governments for decades,” Mr. Ahiagbah said in a Facebook post on Tuesday, June 30.
The government's strategy also included the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development Project (GARID). This initiative received US$200 million from the World Bank. The GARID Project focused on climate-resilient drainage, solid waste management, community upgrades, and disaster preparedness. Mr. Ahiagbah stated that US$92 million was for drainage infrastructure, US$42.2 million for waste systems, and US$58.8 million for vulnerable communities.
Several major flood-control projects were in progress before the NPP government left office in January 2025. These projects included dredging the Odaw River and building new drainage systems in areas like Achimota-Abofu and South Kaneshie. The Busia Highway drainage project and protection works at Atomic East were also part of these efforts. A Flood Early Warning System was deployed to improve preparedness. The proposed Atomic East and Atomic West Detention Ponds reached the procurement stage, representing a potentially significant flood-control intervention.
The current flood mitigation efforts will likely continue to draw public and expert scrutiny. The performance of these long-term projects and their impact on future flood events will be closely watched. Investors and financial institutions will also evaluate the government's ability to manage such critical infrastructure projects. Effective flood control can enhance Accra's economic stability and attract further investment. Continued investment in maintenance and new infrastructure will be crucial for the city's resilience.