President John Mahama has directed the anti-flood taskforce to be firm and decisive in dealing with the issue of flood, clearing structures in water ways to aid the free flow of surface run-offs as the rains continue to pour.
The torrential rains have caused havoc, with building collapsing and several communities across the capital submerged.
Speaking shortly after arriving from a state visit to Belarus on June 9, John Mahama is urging citizens to rally support for government as they work towards solving the perennial challenges.
“While we have been away, we have been following what has been happening. I want to thank Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang for her proactiveness in visiting places affected by floods and recent building collapses that led to deaths,” the President said.
He noted that, “This indiscipline must stop. Our values are eroded. When it rains, we pour garbage into drains. Yes, you have disposed of it from your house, but it chokes the drains and backs up into your house when the rains come.”
President Mahama expressed concern that underground drains are choked with plastics, food packaging, and styrofoam.
“After we eat, we dump everything into the drains,” he lamented.
According to him, “We have built everywhere. In many countries, there are green spaces that soak up water. In Accra, there is nowhere left. The only remaining green spaces [Children’s Park, Achimota Forest] are also in danger.
“People have built in waterways. The wetlands that absorb water before releasing it into the Atlantic Ocean are being constricted because people are filling and building on them.”
The President noted that when the Greater Accra Regional Minister and her team demolish houses built in wetlands, people say government is inhumane.
“But it is also the fault of those who sell those lands and the assemblies who grant permits for building in restricted areas. We have to do some soul searching. The government must be firm in doing what it has to do to stop this perennial flooding issue,” he said.
He called for a change in attitude.
“We should not be like the vulture who says he will repair his roof when the rain stops, then forgets until the next rain comes. This time, we must really repair the roof.
This year, the rains have been unusually heavy, starting in May and continuing into June. That is why we are seeing the extent of flooding,” President Mahama noted
He directed Management of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) to clear all encroached water ways.
“I have directed a task force, NADMO, and others to do a presentation. We will identify all restricted waterways. I am giving the directive to go ahead and do what must be done. I hope all Ghanaians will understand that it is government business to protect the safety of all of us,” he said.
The president called for investment in education and information.
“The government communications department must put out educational materials, using new media and small skits to show our people what not to do,” he urged.
By Komla Klutse
