Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, the Minister of Works, Housing, and Water Resources, informed Parliament about recent flooding events that have affected several regions of the nation, pointing to both natural and man-made issues as contributing factors.
According to the minister’s speech, flooding is one of Ghana’s most frequent and damaging natural disasters, frequently leading to fatalities, family relocation, infrastructure damage, and wider economic disruption.
He named a number of areas, including Greater Accra, Ashanti, Western, Northern, and Volta, that have recently experienced flooding.
“The floods were triggered by intense rainfall, in some cases exceeding historical averages,” he stated.
The minister stated that as part of the government’s prompt response, the Ministry is concentrating on enhancing community readiness and drainage infrastructure.
He added that in order to apply green and nature-based solutions, such as afforestation, rainwater harvesting, permeable pavements, and wetland conservation, the Ministry is collaborating with partners in the commercial sector.
In a few chosen river catchments, pilot initiatives are being started to act as templates for upcoming interventions.
He emphasized the ongoing World Bank-backed Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) project.
In the Odaw Basin and nearby settlements, the initiative seeks to enhance solid waste management and lower the risk of flooding.
According to the minister, a complete national flood prevention scheme would cost about $6 billion to implement.
He urged the public, stakeholders, and Parliament to work together to create inclusive, sustainable infrastructure while preserving the environment.
Member of Parliament for Ahafo Ano North and former National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) Director General Eric Nana Agyemang-Prempeh called on the government to provide funding so that flood-prone communities may be dredged during his statement.
He also urged action to address the persistent problems caused by tidal waves that some areas of the Volta Region face.
Builsa North MP James Agalga also stated that the Ministry of Finance had to give cash to NADMO as soon as possible to help with its reaction activities.
Source: newsthemegh.com