(VIDEO) Kwakye Ofosu Defends Government’s Response to Accra Flooding
Government says exceptional rainfall caused the disaster as relief and mitigation efforts continue.
- 170mm of rain fell within 13 hours.
- GH¢150 million has been allocated for flood mitigation.
- Government says long-term solutions are underway.
Minister for Government Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu has defended the government’s handling of the recent floods, describing the heavy rainfall that hit Accra as an extraordinary weather event that could not have been anticipated. He said government resources are being directed toward both relief efforts and measures to reduce the impact of future flooding.
Speaking during a debate in Parliament, the Minister said part of the funds allocated by the government would support more than 38,000 people displaced by the floods. He added that an additional GH¢150 million has been earmarked for flood mitigation projects aimed at preventing further damage during the ongoing rainy season.
Mr. Kwakye Ofosu noted that Accra received about 170 millimetres of rainfall within 13 hours, describing it as an unusually intense weather event. He compared the figure to the 56 millimetres of rainfall recorded during the entire month of June last year, arguing that the exceptional volume of rain largely explains the severity of the flooding.
The Minister also criticised the opposition for blaming the current administration, arguing that previous governments had years to address the country’s recurring flooding challenges. He questioned the effectiveness of past spending on flood control, saying Ghanaians have a right to demand accountability when public investments fail to produce lasting solutions.
Mr. Kwakye Ofosu said President John Dramani Mahama has accepted responsibility for addressing the flooding problem and appealed for public support as the government implements both immediate relief measures and long-term interventions to reduce future flood risks.
From Prince Joe Boadi
