Former Minister for Works and Housing, Francis Asenso-Boakye, has publicly called on the government to provide a full update on the status of significant flood mitigation projects. He specifically referenced projects originally valued at GHS 4.2 billion (US$350 million) that appear to have stalled or slowed. These projects are crucial for Ghana's ongoing struggle with perennial flooding.
Mr. Asenso-Boakye, who is also the Member of Parliament for Bantama, delivered a statement in Parliament. He emphasized that recent devastating floods in Greater Accra, which claimed lives and destroyed property, underscore the urgent need for these projects. The former minister warns that recurring floods demand national cooperation, not political point-scoring, for effective solutions.
Ghana's persistent flood problem stems from several key issues including inadequate drainage, weak enforcement of building regulations, and rapid urbanisation. Indiscriminate waste disposal and the increasing impact of climate change also contribute significantly. This situation places a substantial economic burden on the nation, affecting livelihoods and critical infrastructure. Data from previous administrations show considerable investment in flood control, yet sustained implementation remains a challenge.
In his parliamentary address, Mr. Asenso-Boakye recalled that the Akufo-Addo administration committed approximately US$540 million (GHS 6.48 billion) between 2018 and 2024 for flood control. This funding was part of the National Flood Control Programme. Additionally, the previous government secured US$200 million (GHS 2.4 billion) from the World Bank for the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) Project. An extra US$150 million (GHS 1.8 billion) was later secured to expand flood resilience initiatives in the capital.
The Bantama MP noted that various strategic projects were at advanced stages before the change in government. These included the Odaw/Odogonno Drain, Achimota-Abofu Drain, South Kaneshie Drain, and Busia Highway drainage improvement works. These initiatives aimed to increase Accra's stormwater carrying capacity. He also mentioned the operationalisation of the Accra Flood Early Warning System and advanced engineering designs for the Atomic East and Atomic West detention ponds. However, Mr. Asenso-Boakye expressed concern that many of these interventions have either slowed significantly or been suspended. He urged the government to explain the status of these projects and outline measures for their completion.
The economic implications of stalled flood control projects are substantial. Delayed infrastructure means continued vulnerability to floods, leading to further property damage, loss of life, and disruptions to economic activity. This situation also diverts financial resources towards disaster relief rather than productive investments. Effective completion of these projects would safeguard investments, protect citizens, and enhance urban resilience. Decision-makers and financial markets will closely watch the government's response and its commitment to completing these critical national projects.
Mr. Asenso-Boakye also highlighted that infrastructure alone is insufficient without rigorous enforcement of planning and environmental regulations. Ghana possesses legal frameworks to regulate physical development, but poor implementation encourages construction in waterways. Poor sanitation further exacerbates flooding as waste clogs drains. The former minister warned that changing climatic conditions make extreme rainfall more frequent, demanding resilient drainage systems. He proposed a one-week national flood emergency preparedness exercise to strengthen disaster readiness, involving various public bodies to desilt drains and remove illegal structures.