Akufo-Addo-Bawumia govt did not ignore Accra flooding crisis — Ahiagbah

The National Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah, has dismissed claims that the previous Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo administration did nothing to address flooding in Accra.

His comments come after heavy rains on Monday, June 30, triggered flooding in several parts of the country, particularly Accra, resulting in loss of lives, disruption of movement and damage to property.

The flooding has reignited public criticism over successive governments' handling of Accra's perennial flood problem, with some accusing the immediate past administration of failing to implement lasting solutions despite spending eight years in office.

Responding in a social media post on Tuesday, June 30, Ahiagbah said the Akufo-Addo-led government implemented several initiatives to tackle the challenge through long-term planning, infrastructure development and sustained investment.

According to him, the government established a Cabinet Sub-Committee on flooding in 2017 and invested more than GH¢550 million in emergency flood relief, drainage repairs and desilting works over its eight-year tenure.

He also highlighted the implementation of the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development Project (GARID), a $200 million World Bank-supported initiative aimed at improving drainage infrastructure, flood mitigation, solid waste management, community upgrading and disaster preparedness.

Ahiagbah further said the Akufo-Addo administration commenced dredging works on the Odaw River, undertook drainage construction at Achimota-Abofu and South Kaneshie, completed protection works at Atomic East, and advanced plans for a flood early warning system before leaving office in January 2025.

He argued that the current government inherited ongoing projects and financing rather than an empty pipeline.

"The current government did not inherit a void. It inherited momentum, secured financing, had active contractors, and a clear plan in motion. However, these inherited projects have noticeably slowed, and the question is why," Ahiagbah stated.

He stressed that the previous administration approached Accra's flooding challenge through planning, engineering, international collaboration and sustained investment.