Akufo-Addo charges MMDAs to remove structures that obstruct the free flow of water immediately.
President Akufo-Addo has directed Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to immediately remove structures that obstruct the free flow of water.
This comes after Accra was submerged for the second time in a week, following heavy rains on Saturday, May 21 and Tuesday, May 24.
Speaking at the Tema commissioning of two IHC Beaver Dredgers and marine equipment by Dredge Masters, a subsidiary of the Jospong Group of Companies, he urged MMDAs to ensure developers follow building permits and to sanction staff who issue permits for buildings on waterways.
He also stated that punishing offenders will serve as a deterrent to others who wish to commit such acts.
President Akufo-Addo stated that the Presidency has established a monitoring unit that will directly report to the President on the progress of the measures.
He also stated that MMDCES will be held accountable for any breaches that result in flooding damage.
"As President of the Republic, I will not let the selfish actions of a few endanger the collective futures of the rest of us." While the government does its part, "we cannot ignore the negative effects of some unpatriotic citizens dumping refuse into open drains," he said.
President Akufo-Addo also provided an update on projects undertaken by his administration to address the country's perennial flooding.
According to him, "the government has spent approximately 450 million cedis on the flood control project since 2017, resulting in a reduced incidence of flooding, particularly in flood-prone areas such as the Odaw draining channel."
He stated that phase 5 of the Accra Sanitary Sewerage and Storm Drainage Alleviation Project, which aims to keep the Odaw channel clean and free of debris, has been completed.
He stated that the 19km of drains have been completed, and that "some 1000 km of drain has been excavated, re-channeled, and maintained across the country."
He did, however, acknowledge that more needs to be done to permanently address the flood issue.
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