President John Dramani Mahama has raised serious concerns over the looming threats of severe flooding in the Greater Accra, calling for efforts to address the city’s drainage issues.
This warning came after President Mahama’s inspection of critical drainage works in flood-prone areas across the Accra metropolis on April 2, 2025.
During his tour, John Mahama visited several key sites, including the Abofu Achimota Bridge, Mallam Junction, and Odawna at Circle.
The President expressed concern that ongoing projects, such as the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) initiative, have not progressed fast enough to tackle the city’s chronic flooding problem ahead of the rainy season, which begins in May.
“We are in April, and the rains are about starting. May-June is the climax of the rains in Accra. This Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) project was given last year. From what I have seen, this project is not going to begin before the rains open up. If that happens, we must expect that there will be severe flooding this season,” Mahama warned.
The GARID project is an extensive plan designed to mitigate flooding in Accra by improving drainage systems and enhancing flood management across the city.
However, Mahama’s inspection raised concerns that the project, which was expected to have a major impact, is not progressing quickly enough to prevent flooding during the impending rainy season.
As he walked through flood-prone areas, Mahama underscored the urgency of removing illegal structures blocking waterways.
The President issued a direct directive to the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, urging her and other agencies to demolish buildings obstructing the flow of water.
“You must work as quickly as possible before the rains open up,” Mahama charged the minister.
“We need to fast-track the Accra Academy main drain system, which will help alleviate the flooding problem in areas like Kaneshie, Bubuashie, and the surrounding areas.”
While urging action from the authorities, John Mahama also cautioned residents of Accra about the potential for severe flooding.
He advised citizens to be vigilant and avoid littering, as clogged drains have been a major contributor to the city’s flooding woes.
“I have to caution citizens of Accra that there is going to be severe flooding because of the delay in this project,” Mahama stated. “But we have to do everything to alleviate destruction of property and loss of life as much as possible.”
