Deploy Navy, Air Force and Blue Water Guards to rescue flood victims — CPP to government
The Convention People's Party (CPP) has blamed years of poor urban planning, weak enforcement of building regulations, and indiscriminate waste disposal for the widespread flooding that followed Monday's torrential rains in Accra, describing the disaster as preventable rather than inevitable.
In a statement signed by its National Communications Director, Osei Kofi Acquah, the party expressed sadness over the destruction caused by the floods, which submerged communities, displaced residents, and claimed lives.
According to the CPP, successive governments have failed to address the persistent problem of developments on waterways and wetlands, creating conditions that continue to expose residents to devastating floods whenever heavy rains occur.
The party also criticised what it described as the unchecked practice of dumping refuse into drains, arguing that the failure to enforce sanitation laws has worsened the country's flooding challenges.
The CPP lamented that rainfall, which should ordinarily benefit agriculture and livelihoods, has instead become a source of tragedy, leaving families homeless, destroying properties worth millions of cedis, and resulting in the loss of lives.
With more rainfall expected, the party warned that the full extent of the damage may not yet be known.
The CPP called on the government to immediately intensify rescue operations by deploying the Ghana Navy, all available speedboats, and the Blue Water Guards to assist residents trapped in flooded communities and safeguard lives and property.
It further appealed to the Minister for Energy to direct the immediate shutdown of electricity supply in severely flooded areas where rising water levels threaten power installations, saying the measure is necessary to prevent electrocution.
Describing the situation as deeply regrettable, the party urged a coordinated national emergency response involving security agencies, disaster management experts, and local authorities to mitigate the impact of the floods and support affected communities.
The CPP also appealed to the public to remain calm, avoid flood prone areas, and cooperate with emergency responders. It advised residents stranded by the floods to contact the appropriate emergency services for assistance.