In the aftermath of the recent severe rains in Accra and around the country, John Dramani Mahama, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, has criticized the government’s approaches to flood prevention and management.
The former president expressed his disappointment in the continued high risk of flooding in numerous regions in a Facebook post, stating that this is despite what he claimed to be large investments in flood protection.
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The recent heavy downpours in Accra and other parts of the country have led to extensive destruction of property and, according to reports, the loss of life of a young schoolboy.
This has exposed the government’s failure to manage and prevent floods effectively and evokes deep concern about its lack of a comprehensive flood prevention and management plan. Many areas that in the past were unaffected by flooding today become inundated with the least rainfall.
Considering the huge sums of money allegedly spent by this government on draining the Odaw and other flood prevention interventions, the present situation is distressing. According to the government, $200 million was spent on the Greater Accra Resilient Integrated Development Programme (GARID). While the impact of that huge amount and its intervention have yet to be felt, parliament was recently recalled to approve another $150 million for the same GARID.
Protecting the lives and properties of our people should be a top priority for a government. The current administration has failed in this regard.
Given the opportunity to lead our beloved country again, a new NDC government under my leadership will not rest until we find an engineering solution to the persistent flooding and implement an effective prevention and management plan. Our commitment to this cause is unwavering, and we are determined to bring about the change our nation desperately needs.
