A lecturer at Pentecost University and economist, Dr. Alexander Amo Baffour, has praised President John Dramani Mahama for allocating GH¢300 million to support flood relief and emergency response efforts following the recent devastating floods that affected several parts of Ghana.
Speaking in a telephone interview with Alexander Nana Dogbe, Dr. Amo Baffour described the government’s intervention as timely and proactive, saying it demonstrates a commitment to mitigating the impact of natural disasters and protecting vulnerable communities.
His remarks follow days of torrential rainfall accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms that triggered widespread flooding across parts of Greater Accra, the Central Region and the Ashanti Region. The Ghana Meteorological Agency had earlier issued weather warnings, cautioning the public about the likelihood of heavy rainfall and flooding in several parts of the country.
The heavy rains, particularly on June 29 and 30, caused extensive flooding that submerged homes, displaced residents and destroyed properties. Several communities were severely affected, while media reports indicated that at least nine people lost their lives as a result of the disaster.
Following an aerial inspection of the affected areas, President Mahama described the devastation as heartbreaking and assured victims of government’s support. He subsequently directed the release of GH¢300 million to the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and other relevant agencies to facilitate rescue operations, provide relief to affected persons and support recovery efforts.
Dr. Amo Baffour described the reported deaths as unfortunate and urged authorities to complement emergency interventions with long-term flood prevention measures. He blamed recurring floods on indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drains, rapid population growth, poor urban planning and the construction of buildings on waterways.
He called for intensified public education on environmental sanitation, regular desilting of drains and stricter enforcement of building and environmental regulations. He also urged metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies to strictly enforce their by-laws and sanction individuals and developers who obstruct drainage channels or engage in activities that contribute to flooding.
The economist further expressed support for the government’s long-term proposals to strengthen decongestant flood control systems, including measures aimed at decongesting Accra and implementing comprehensive national flood management programmes. According to him, sustained investment in infrastructure, environmental protection and effective urban planning will be critical to reducing the country’s perennial flooding challenges and safeguarding lives and property.
Story by Freedom Etsey Lavoe
