The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, has directed all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) in the region to remain fully engaged in flood response efforts until situations are brought under control.
The directive follows flooding in several parts of the Greater Accra Region after hours of torrential rainfall on Monday, which inundated roads and residential communities, disrupted movement and displaced some residents.
She said the aftermath of Monday’s heavy rains was one requiring decisive leadership and swift action.
- Read also
- Southern Ghana experience thunderstorms as Togo-Benin rainstorm moves west – GMet
- Accra floods: Parts of Tse Addo submerged
- Accra to experience more rains this week - GMet
- Mallam and Achimota (Dzorwulu) electric power substations shutdown for safety reasons due to Accra flooding
- Rains trigger Monday morning floods in parts of Accra
In a press statement, the minister instructed the MMDCEs to immediately move into their respective communities with emergency response teams, officials of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and other technical officers to intensify rescue operations.
She said the assemblies must evacuate persons trapped by floodwaters where necessary, assess the extent of the damage and provide immediate relief to affected residents.
“Every MMDCE is expected to remain fully engaged until the situation is brought under control. This is a time for decisive leadership and swift action,” the statement said.
Collaboration
The minister expressed sympathy to residents affected by the flooding and said the safety and well-being of residents remained the government’s highest priority,
“My heart goes out to all individuals and families who have been affected by this unfortunate incident. I sincerely sympathise with those who have suffered losses, displacement and other hardships, and I want to assure every affected resident that you are not alone. We stand with you during this difficult period,” she said.
Ms Ocloo said the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council was working closely with NADMO, the Ghana National Fire Service, the Ghana Police Service and other emergency response agencies to coordinate rescue operations and protect lives and property.
With the Ghana Meteorological Agency forecasting more rainfall, the minister urged residents to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary movement during periods of heavy rain.
Remain indoors
She advised the public to remain indoors where possible and keep away from flood-prone areas, drains and fast-flowing floodwaters.
The minister also appealed to parents and guardians to ensure that children were kept safe at all times and prevented from playing in floodwaters or attempting to cross flooded roads and drains.
She further called on residents to cooperate with emergency response personnel and comply with all safety directives issued by the authorities to facilitate rescue and relief efforts.
Ms Ocloo assured flood victims that the Regional Coordinating Council, in collaboration with the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies and emergency response agencies, would continue to work tirelessly to protect lives, assist those in need and support affected communities throughout the emergency.
She urged residents requiring emergency assistance to contact NADMO through its emergency telephone lines 0302772395 / 0299344030 and WhatsApp platform 0551609393 for immediate support
