Mahama Orders Mapping of Encroached Waterways to Combat Accra Flooding
President directs NADMO and a national task force to identify restricted waterways and protected lands as government intensifies efforts to prevent recurring floods in the capital.
- Mahama directs NADMO and task force to map all restricted waterways in Accra.
- Assessment aims to identify encroached protected lands and waterways
- Findings will guide government action to prevent future flooding
President John Dramani Mahama has directed the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and a national task force to undertake a comprehensive assessment of restricted waterways and protected lands across Accra as part of renewed efforts to tackle the city’s persistent flooding challenges.
The directive follows recent floods that affected several communities and reignited concerns over illegal developments on waterways and other protected areas.
Addressing members of his Cabinet at the Accra International Airport on Tuesday, June 9, after returning from official visits to the United Kingdom and Belarus, President Mahama disclosed that the task force had been instructed to identify all restricted waterways and areas that have been encroached upon.
“I have directed the task force, NADMO and all the others to do a presentation to us. We are going to identify all the restricted waterways,” the President stated.
According to him, the findings of the assessment will guide government interventions aimed at safeguarding vulnerable areas, preventing further encroachment and reducing the risk of future flooding.
“When they have done that, I am giving the directive that they should go ahead to do what they have to do,” he added.
President Mahama emphasized that protecting lives and property remains a top priority and assured that authorities would be empowered to enforce existing regulations where necessary.
He acknowledged that some of the measures, including possible demolition exercises in affected areas, could generate public criticism. However, he maintained that such actions would be undertaken in the broader interest of public safety.
“I hope when we do that possible demolition, all Ghanaians will understand that it is the government’s business to protect the safety of all of us,” he noted.
The President’s remarks form part of ongoing government efforts to strengthen flood prevention strategies, improve urban planning and ensure stricter enforcement of regulations in flood-prone communities across the capital.
