Greater Accra Intensifies Flood Prevention Measures as Heavy Rains Loom
The Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) has stepped up efforts to prevent flooding across the region as weather forecasts indicate more heavy rainfall in the coming weeks.
At a press briefing, regional authorities expressed concern over recent rainfall incidents that have already resulted in casualties and damage in some communities. The RCC said the latest weather advisory from the Ghana Meteorological Agency has made it necessary for all stakeholders to act swiftly to protect lives and property.
To reduce the risk of flooding, the RCC has directed all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), particularly officials from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and Environmental Health Departments, to undertake immediate preventive measures.
These measures include the desilting of drains and gutters, removal of refuse and other obstructions from waterways, inspection of drainage systems, demolition of unauthorized structures built on watercourses, and intensified public education on sanitation and flood prevention.
According to the RCC, several communities have been identified as flood-prone areas requiring special attention. These include Kaneshie, Odawna, Circle, Alajo, Weija, Tetegu, Ashalaja, Dansoman, Adabraka, Ashaiman, Tema Communities One and Two, Madina, Adenta, Borteyman, Pantang and Kwabenya.
The council emphasized that flood prevention is a shared responsibility and called on residents to stop dumping refuse into drains and water bodies. The public was also urged to avoid building on waterways and to comply with safety directives issued by relevant authorities.
Residents in vulnerable communities have been advised to stay alert during periods of heavy rainfall and move to safer locations when necessary. Motorists and pedestrians were also cautioned against driving or walking through flooded roads, as such actions have led to fatalities in the past.
The RCC announced that emergency response teams have been activated across the region. These teams are working closely with NADMO, the Ghana National Fire Service, the Ghana Police Service and the National Ambulance Service to provide rapid response during emergencies.
Relief items including mattresses, blankets, life jackets and first aid supplies have been positioned at strategic locations to support affected persons when necessary. Schools, health facilities, community centres, religious institutions and selected government buildings have also been identified as temporary shelters for possible evacuation exercises.
The council further disclosed that the Weija Dam has been opened to release excess water following rising water levels caused by recent rains. Authorities say the controlled spillage is necessary to protect the dam and ensure public safety.
Meanwhile, the Regional Security Council is expected to undertake inspections in affected communities to assess the impact of the dam spillage on residents and infrastructure.
As part of efforts to improve public safety, the RCC revealed that approximately 3,000 solar streetlights have been installed across major roads in the region in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition.
Roads that have benefited from streetlight rehabilitation include Liberation Road, Ring Road East, Independence Avenue, Kanda Highway, Nima Highway, Kaneshie-Mallam Road, Spintex Road, George Walker Bush Highway, Osu Oxford Street, Dansoman High Street, Boundary Road and several other major routes.
The RCC noted that contractors are still working on faulty streetlights in some areas and assured residents that maintenance works will continue.
The council also called on all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives to remain actively involved in monitoring conditions on the ground, particularly in schools, markets, roads and flood-prone communities.
The Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council reaffirmed its commitment to working with all stakeholders to safeguard lives and property throughout the rainy season and urged residents to play their part in keeping the region safe and clean.
