Flag bearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) John Dramani Mahama has said the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia led administration has failed in tackling the flooding menace bedeviling the nation, particularly, the national capital.
Despite the huge sums of monies government claims it has pumped into the Greater Accra Resilient Integrated Development Programme (GARID) to curb the challenge, the former President says the problem still exists, even in its worst state, with areas which hitherto were not flood prone, now exposed floodwaters at the drop of rain.
In a post on his social media Monday, May 27, 2024, John Mahama, attaching a video of some flooded urban roads in the city complained about the situation despite the government’s claim of ameliorating the challenge.
He said the current rains have exposed how the government has failed in safeguarding lives and properties of Ghanaians as far as flooding is concerned.
“This has exposed the government’s failure to manage and prevent floods effectively and evokes deep concern about its lack of a comprehensive flood prevention and management plan. Many areas that in the past were unaffected by flooding today become inundated with the least rainfall.
“Considering the huge sums of money allegedly spent by this government on draining the Odaw and other flood prevention interventions, the present situation is distressing. According to the government, $200 million was spent on the Greater Accra Resilient Integrated Development Programme (GARID). While the impact of that huge amount and its intervention have yet to be felt, parliament was recently recalled to approve another $150 million for the same GARID.
“Protecting the lives and properties of our people should be a top priority for a government. The current administration has failed in this regard,” he said in his post.
Find below his full post on Facebook:
The recent heavy downpours in Accra and other parts of the country have led to extensive destruction of property and, according to reports, the loss of life of a young schoolboy.
This has exposed the government’s failure to manage and prevent floods effectively and evokes deep concern about its lack of a comprehensive flood prevention and management plan. Many areas that in the past were unaffected by flooding today become inundated with the least rainfall.
Considering the huge sums of money allegedly spent by this government on draining the Odaw and other flood prevention interventions, the present situation is distressing. According to the government, $200 million was spent on the Greater Accra Resilient Integrated Development Programme (GARID). While the impact of that huge amount and its intervention have yet to be felt, parliament was recently recalled to approve another $150 million for the same GARID.
Protecting the lives and properties of our people should be a top priority for a government. The current administration has failed in this regard.
Given the opportunity to lead our beloved country again, a new NDC government under my leadership will not rest until we find an engineering solution to the persistent flooding and implement an effective prevention and management plan. Our commitment to this cause is unwavering, and we are determined to bring about the change our nation desperately needs.
This will include investing in sustainable drainage systems, clearing structures in waterways, proper waste management, and proactive measures to mitigate the impact of heavy rains. We are committed to bringing about the change that our nation needs.
We cannot afford to continue risking the lives and livelihoods of our people. It is time for real change and real solutions. Let us, as Ghanaians, as a community, unite and work together to build a safer and more resilient Ghana.
Your voice and action are not just important; they are crucial in this endeavour. Together, we can make a difference.
Your voice and action are crucial in this endeavour as we work towards building the Ghana we want together.
