President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Minister for Finance to immediately release GH¢300 million from the Contingency Fund to finance urgent flood relief and mitigation efforts across southern Ghana, following the devastating floods that have submerged parts of Accra and surrounding communities.
The directive, announced in a statement signed by Presidential Spokesperson and Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, on Tuesday, June 30, splits the amount evenly between immediate humanitarian support and long-term solutions. GH¢150 million will be spent on urgent relief efforts for flood-affected persons and communities, while the remaining GH¢150 million will be directed towards flood mitigation measures aimed at reducing future incidents.
"The directive forms part of government's response to the flooding of parts of Accra and other communities in the southern sector of the country after hours of unusually heavy rainfall," Mr. Kwakye Ofosu stated.
President Mahama also directed the deployment of personnel from the Ghana Armed Forces and the Ghana Police Service to work alongside NADMO and other security services in rescue and relief operations currently underway across the city.
The President earlier conducted an aerial tour of the flooded areas to assess the full extent of the situation.
The release of the GH¢300 million adds to a series of immediate measures announced by the President, including a planned National Security Council meeting to address the crisis, directives to MMDAs to identify and remove obstructions along drainage channels, and a long-term plan to decongest Accra.
The Ghana Meteorological Agency has warned that more rain is expected to affect parts of southern Ghana, raising the risk of further flooding.
The public has been advised to avoid sheltering under trees, stay clear of loose electrical wires, and refrain from walking or driving through floodwaters. Residents in low-lying areas have been urged to move to higher ground and call 112 for emergency assistance.
