Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has announced that the government will allocate additional resources to the dredging of major drains across flood-prone areas as part of efforts to reduce the impact of flooding.
Presenting the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review in Parliament on Thursday, July 23, Dr Forson said the intervention forms part of the government’s broader strategy to improve drainage infrastructure and minimise recurring floods.
“Mr Speaker, more resources towards ongoing dredging of critical drains in affected areas,” the Finance Minister told Parliament.
The announcement follows President John Dramani Mahama’s recent comments on the causes of the devastating floods that affected parts of the country, particularly Accra.
After touring flood-hit communities on Monday, June 29, the President said human activities remain a major contributor to the persistent flooding problem.
According to him, illegal construction on waterways and resistance to the demolition of such structures continue to increase the risk of flooding, with the consequences affecting entire communities.
“There is the issue of human behaviour. Whenever government begins removing structures built in waterways, some people accuse us of being inhumane. Yet when disasters such as today’s flooding occur, the consequences affect everyone. The irresponsible actions of a few individuals end up putting entire communities at risk,” President Mahama said.
He also noted that the country experienced unusually heavy rainfall during the floods, revealing that about 140 millimetres of rain fell over Accra in a single day, far exceeding the highest daily rainfall of approximately 56 millimetres recorded the previous year.
The President attributed the extreme weather to changing climatic conditions, describing it as a challenge beyond human control.
As part of measures to address the situation, President Mahama announced plans for a nationwide exercise to clear major drainage channels of structures and other obstructions.
He said Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), working together with the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources, will identify buildings and other obstacles blocking waterways for removal.
The exercise is intended to improve drainage systems, reduce the risk of flooding and protect communities vulnerable to heavy rains.
President Mahama also directed the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) to intensify relief efforts for victims of the recent floods.
He instructed the agency to identify affected individuals and assess the extent of the damage to ensure timely support and assistance.
The President emphasised that finding a lasting solution to flooding in Accra will require both decisive government action and responsible behaviour from the public.
