Ghana Launches Major Flood Mitigation Exercise Across Accra Following Mahama's Directive
Accra's Flood Mitigation Task Force has launched a phased dredging and demolition operation across the city, targeting illegal structures and silted waterways to combat recurrent flooding. Led by key officials, the initiative, mandated by President John Mahama, includes comprehensive work at locations like the Tesa Dam and Oyarifa, aiming for continuous year-round efforts to restore natural drainage and protect communities.
The Flood Mitigation Task Force has begun a large-scale dredging, desilting and demolition exercise across parts of Accra following a directive from President John Mahama to address persistent flooding in the Greater Accra Region.
Led by Deputy Chief of Staff Stan Xoese Dogbe and Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources Kenneth Adjei, the operation aims to reclaim waterways, restore drainage systems and protect vulnerable communities. The first phase targets New England, Tesa Dam in East Legon and Oyarifa.
Authorities have demolished illegal structures built along waterways, including retaining walls, apartment blocks and poorly constructed bridges that obstruct natural drainage channels. Dredging operations are also underway to remove silt deposits and restore the capacity of critical flood retention areas such as the Tesa Dam, which helps manage stormwater during heavy rainfall. The task force has stated that buffer zones, debris clearance and continuous monitoring will be implemented to prevent future encroachment.
The government has announced that the exercise will become a year-round flood prevention initiative rather than a one-off intervention. Minister Kenneth Adjei said President Mahama has directed that drains and waterways across the country be continuously desilted to minimise the impact of flooding on communities.
Following the completion of the first phase, the task force will extend operations to flood-prone areas including Weija, Mallam and Laboma as part of its nationwide mitigation strategy.