In an attempt to prevent flooding before the rainy season, the Anti-Flood Taskforce, under the direction of Deputy Chief of Staff (Operations) Stan Dogbe, has carried out an aerial reconnaissance of Accra.
Key members of the taskforce, which was established by the president, include the Deputy Director-General of the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), Ahmed Ibrahim, Minister for Local Government; Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, Minister for Water Resources, Works & Housing; Marietta Brew, President’s Legal Counsel and Taskforce Secretary; and DCOP Abdul Osman Razak, National Security Coordinator.
The team evaluated drainage systems during the aerial survey and located trouble spots, such as severely silted drains that needed immediate repair.
According to Stan Dogbe, the group was formed by the president to identify workable solutions for Accra’s frequent flooding problems.
The President, concerned about the perennial flooding situation, decided to set up a special taskforce to start work to at least try and reduce, if not prevent, flooding, particularly within the Accra metropolis as we prepare for the rains,” he stated.
He added, “Our job is to identify challenges, such as choked drains that need desilting and blocked channels that prevent rainwater from flowing into the sea. Where there are problems, we will explore engineering and mechanical solutions.”
Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, Minister of Water Resources, emphasized how urgent it is to clean the Odaw River, which is among the most impacted areas.
Minister for Local Government Ahmed Ibrahim also highlighted the role of human activities in worsening the problem and called for strict enforcement of environmental regulations.
The taskforce aims to implement long-term flood mitigation measures while ensuring immediate interventions to protect lives and property.
