The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Hon. Linda Obenewaa Ocloo, has announced intensified measures to prepare the region for the 2026 rainy season as authorities move swiftly to prevent flooding and protect lives and property.
Addressing a press conference in Accra on Monday, the Minister disclosed that the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council (RCC), in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), security agencies and other stakeholders, had activated emergency response systems following recent heavy rains and warnings from the Ghana Meteorological Agency.
She noted that the recent rains had already caused casualties and destruction in some communities, making it necessary for authorities to heighten preparedness across the region.
According to the Minister, ongoing interventions include the desilting of drains and gutters, removal of refuse from drainage channels, inspection of waterways, demolition of unauthorized structures obstructing water flow, and intensified public education campaigns.
Hon. Ocloo further directed all MMDAs to immediately remove unauthorized lorry stations and transport terminals operating along roads and public spaces, describing them as threats to public safety and effective city management.
She identified several flood-prone communities under close monitoring, including Kaneshie, Alajo, Odawna, Circle, Weija, Tetegu, Ashalaja, Dansoman, Adabraka, Ashaiman, Tema Communities 1 and 2, Madina, Adenta, Lakeside, Borteyman, Pantang and Kwabenya.
The Minister revealed that emergency response teams had been activated at both regional and district levels to work alongside the Ghana National Fire Service, Ghana Police Service, Ghana Armed Forces and the National Ambulance Service to ensure rapid response during emergencies.
She added that relief items such as food supplies, mattresses, blankets, first aid kits and life jackets had been positioned at strategic locations, while schools, community centres, assembly halls and religious institutions had been earmarked as temporary shelters for possible evacuations.
Hon. Ocloo also disclosed that the Weija Dam had been opened due to rising water levels caused by heavy rainfall, a development she said had already affected surrounding communities and infrastructure.
She announced that the Regional Security Council would immediately embark on an inspection exercise to assess the extent of destruction and facilitate the evacuation of affected residents where necessary.
The Minister urged residents to stop dumping refuse into drains, avoid building on waterways and comply strictly with safety directives issued by authorities.
She further cautioned motorists and pedestrians against moving through flooded roads and drains, stressing that several lives had been lost in similar situations in the past.
Hon. Ocloo tasked all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives to remain active on the ground, monitor markets, roads and schools, and ensure drains were cleared after every rainfall to prevent choked gutters and recurring floods.
On infrastructure improvements, the Minister disclosed that the RCC, in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, had installed 3,000 solar streetlights along major roads across the region to improve visibility and reduce cable theft.
She commended NADMO, the security services, sanitation workers, community volunteers and all stakeholders for their dedication toward keeping communities safe and called on residents to support efforts to build a cleaner and flood-resilient Greater Accra Region.
