President John Dramani Mahama has directed the immediate release of GH¢300 million from the Contingency Fund to support emergency flood relief operations and finance mitigation measures following severe flooding in parts of Accra and other communities across southern Ghana.
The intervention comes in response to widespread flooding triggered by hours of unusually heavy rainfall, which inundated residential areas, disrupted economic activity and left many residents stranded.
According to a statement from the Presidency, GH¢150 million of the allocation will be used to provide urgent assistance to affected persons and communities, while the remaining GH¢150 million will fund flood mitigation initiatives aimed at reducing the frequency and impact of flooding in vulnerable areas.
The President directed the Minister for Finance to expedite the release of the funds as government intensifies efforts to address the humanitarian and infrastructure challenges caused by the floods.
In a further move to strengthen emergency response efforts, President Mahama has ordered the deployment of personnel from the Ghana Armed Forces and the Ghana Police Service to collaborate with the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and other security agencies in ongoing rescue and relief operations.
The security deployment is expected to bolster search-and-rescue activities, support evacuations and facilitate the distribution of relief supplies to affected communities.
Earlier on Tuesday, the President undertook an aerial assessment of flood-hit areas to gain a first-hand appreciation of the extent of the damage. Following the tour, he announced a series of measures aimed at protecting lives and property while addressing the underlying causes of recurrent flooding in the capital and other flood-prone settlements.
The latest flooding incident has once again highlighted longstanding concerns over urban drainage, unregulated development and the growing vulnerability of communities to extreme weather events.
Government officials say immediate relief efforts will be complemented by longer-term interventions designed to improve drainage infrastructure, strengthen disaster preparedness and enhance resilience against future flooding.
The statement was signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, MP, Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications.
Source: businesspostonline
