The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has begun intensified efforts to curb flooding in the Greater Accra Region with a series of inspections in communities identified as flood-prone.
The exercise forms part of the organisation’s preparatory measures ahead of the rainy season and is aimed at ensuring drains are properly desilted and maintained to effectively channel floodwaters.
Authorities say the move is also intended to address the region’s persistent flooding challenges, which have in previous years resulted in the loss of lives, destruction of property and displacement of residents.
The inspection team is being led by NADMO’s Director-General, Major (Red) Joseph Bikanyi Kuyon, alongside other senior officials of the organisation. The exercise is also receiving support from the military, with personnel assisting in the ongoing inspection and clean-up efforts.
Addressing the media during one of the inspections, Mr Kuyon explained that the exercise builds on earlier assessments carried out last year, including a visit with John Dramani Mahama to identify major flood flashpoints in Accra.
“This is not the first time we are coming here. Last year, we were here with the President of the country himself to have a look at flashpoints of flooding in Accra,” he said.
According to him, NADMO has since continued working with various stakeholders to ensure adequate preparations are made before the onset of the rains. Mr Kuyon stressed that disaster management should not only focus on responding to disasters after they occur but should also prioritise prevention and preparedness.
“I have continuously, on many platforms, said that my administration’s focus is not to react to disasters only. Disaster management is a process. It starts from working to prevent and putting ourselves in readiness, should any disaster occur. So it is a process and not just an event,” he stated.
He noted that much of NADMO’s preventive work often goes unnoticed because it takes place before disasters occur.
“We’ve been working behind the scenes, which is mostly not catching the media eye because it’s not bad news. It only becomes public when the disaster strikes. But our focus is to work to ensure that disasters don’t happen,” he explained.
Mr Kuyon added that NADMO’s Inspectorate and Operations Department has been working closely with district authorities and local administrators to identify flood-prone areas and ensure drains are cleared to allow the free flow of water during heavy rains.
He further indicated that the inspections will not be a one-off exercise but will continue periodically as the rainy season approaches.
“So, it’s one of the briefings I have gotten from them that a lot has been done. But I can’t sit in my office, so I have to come around and look at all that has been done compared to what we saw last year,” he noted.
Flooding remains a recurring challenge in several parts of Accra, particularly during periods of intense rainfall. Authorities say proactive measures such as drain desilting, public awareness and improved urban planning will be critical in reducing the risk of flooding and protecting lives and property.
The inspection according to NADMO will continue to other flood prone areas with the necessary action to be taking.
