President John Dramani Mahama has directed the flood taskforce of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and other relevant state agencies to prepare a comprehensive presentation on Ghana’s flooding situation following recent flooding incidents across parts of the country, particularly in Accra.
According to the President, the presentation will help the government identify critical flood-prone areas, including restricted waterways, and guide both immediate and long-term interventions to address the country’s recurring flooding challenge.
President Mahama issued the directive yesterday, Tuesday, June 9, 2026, shortly after arriving at the Accra International Airport following an official visit to Belarus.
His remarks come amid widespread flooding in several communities, with Accra among the worst-affected areas after days of heavy and prolonged rainfall.
The President observed that this year’s rains, which began in May and have continued into June, have been particularly heavy, worsening flooding in many communities and causing significant disruption to lives and property.
He also expressed concern over human activities that have contributed to the problem, particularly the construction of buildings on waterways and in other vulnerable locations.
Questioning how some of these developments secured official approval, President Mahama called for greater accountability in physical planning and development control.
“But some of the houses have building permits. How did they get them? So we have to do some soul-searching,” he said.
The President stressed the need for authorities to take firmer action to prevent further encroachment on waterways and flood-prone lands.
He further urged state institutions to move beyond routine responses to flooding, warning against a recurring cycle of inaction until disasters occur.
“We shouldn’t be like the vulture who says he will repair his roof when the rain stops,” he said, adding that the government must adopt sustained corrective measures rather than rely on temporary solutions.
President Mahama directed NADMO and other relevant agencies to work together to identify and map all restricted waterways nationwide and implement corrective measures once the assessment is complete.
He also underscored the importance of public education on flooding and environmental management, calling on the Government Communications Department and other institutions to intensify awareness campaigns.
According to the President, a combination of strict enforcement of planning regulations, public education and improved infrastructure development will be critical to reducing flooding risks and preventing future disasters.
President Mahama returned to Ghana following official visits to the United Kingdom and the Republic of Belarus, during which he highlighted several key agreements and partnerships aimed at boosting economic growth, trade and investment.
In the United Kingdom, the President attended the Ghana Investment Summit, which brought together investors from across Europe. He noted growing interest in Ghana, driven by improved economic performance and a more favourable investment climate.
He also announced the signing of the Ghana-UK Growth and Investment Partnership, which seeks to reposition relations between the two countries from aid dependency towards trade and investment.
Among the agreements reached were plans to develop a commercial-scale ship repair facility in Takoradi, a commercial afforestation project in the Oti Region, collaboration on Artificial Intelligence training under Ghana’s “AI for Good” strategy, and capacity-building programmes for clinical and biomedical engineers to strengthen healthcare delivery.
President Mahama also held bilateral discussions with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on political, economic and Sahel security issues and met King Charles III during the visit.
Additionally, he visited Ghanaian-owned businesses in the UK and was honoured at the London Stock Exchange in recognition of Ghana’s strong market performance.
In Belarus, the President secured agreements to establish a Joint Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation, enhance collaboration between the chambers of commerce of both countries, and expand agricultural cooperation.
He also announced a visa waiver agreement and plans for Belarusian technical support to improve agricultural productivity in Ghana.
President Mahama was received on arrival at the Jubilee Lounge by Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah and other senior government officials.
