John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has expressed strong criticism of the government’s flood prevention and management efforts following the recent heavy rains in Accra and other regions also questioning $200m investment by the government of Ghana.
In a Facebook post, the former President questioned the effectiveness of the reported $200 million investment in flood mitigation. Mahama pointed out that, despite these substantial funds, numerous areas continue to suffer from significant flooding even with minimal rainfall.
Mahama’s comments have sparked a broader conversation about the adequacy of the government’s infrastructure projects and their implementation. Many citizens have echoed his concerns, questioning where the funds have been allocated and why the flooding persists.
Excerpt of John Mahama ‘s Criticism in a Facebook Post
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.