The Director of Inspectorate at the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Richard Amo Yartey, has revealed that the recent floods that swept through parts of Ghana have claimed 34 lives, left seven people missing, affected 15,000 households, and rendered more than 75,000 people homeless nationwide.
Speaking on Ahotor FM’s Adekyee Mu Nsem, hosted by Citizen Kofi Owusu in Accra, Mr. Amo Yartey said the flooding has become a nationwide disaster, affecting more than seven regions, with NADMO emergency teams deployed to all affected districts.
He explained that although several factors have contributed to the flooding, climate change remains a major driver, compounded by human activities such as building on waterways, poor drainage systems, and indiscriminate waste disposal.
Mr. Amo Yartey further disclosed that in the Central Region, some of the fatalities resulted from building collapses. He added that illegal mining (galamsey) has worsened the flooding situation by silting rivers and reducing their capacity to contain excess water during heavy rainfall.
According to him, NADMO teams across the country are conducting rapid assessments of affected communities while mobilising relief items for victims, despite the enormous pressure the scale of the disaster has placed on the organisation.
“We are looking across the country. This is not only about Greater Accra. NADMO is responding in every affected district, carrying out assessments and mobilising relief resources for victims,” he said.
Mr. Amo Yartey reiterated that more than 75,000 people have been displaced nationwide, while 15,000 households have been affected, as emergency teams continue to assess the full extent of the destruction.
He urged residents to avoid crossing flooded roads and rivers during heavy rains, warning that floodwaters can become deadly within seconds.
He also advised households in flood-prone communities to switch off their electricity supply immediately whenever floodwaters begin entering their homes, noting that some of the recorded deaths were caused by electrocution.
The NADMO Director stressed the need for long-term interventions, including dredging rivers and streams, clearing blocked waterways, and improving drainage infrastructure to minimise the recurring flood problem.
He encouraged the public to call the national emergency number, 112, or contact NADMO on 0291913077 or 0302964884 for immediate assistance during emergencies.
Responding to calls for a state of emergency, Mr. Amo Yartey explained that NADMO operates within the framework of the law and that declaring a state of emergency is the sole prerogative of the government.
“As an organisation, we work according to the law. If there is a need for a state of emergency, the state will make that decision. For now, we are looking forward to the release of funds allocated to us to strengthen our response and support affected communities,” he stated.
He assured Ghanaians of NADMO’s commitment to protecting lives and property and pledged that the organisation would continue working with all stakeholders to provide relief to affected communities and reduce the impact of future disasters.
Story by Stephen Kwaku Owusu Mintah