Gov’t Taskforce Storms Accra With Demolitions, Dredging In Massive Anti‑Flood Blitz

The government’s Flood Mitigation Taskforce has rolled out a sweeping, phased dredging, desilting and demolition operation across parts of Accra in a renewed push to tame the capital’s stubborn flood menace.

Led by Deputy Chief of Staff (Operations) Stan Xoese Dogbe and Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources Kenneth Adjei, with technical command from Taskforce Coordinator Brigadier General Forster Okae‑Yeboah, the operation is targeting illegal developments choking waterways, silted drains and poorly constructed bridges that obstruct stormwater flow.

Support teams from the Ghana Armed Forces—including Deputy Chief of Staff at Army Headquarters Major General Annan Glover and Engineer Brigade Commander Brigadier General Richard Kinny—are backing the enforcement drive.

The first phase kicked off at New England, behind Airport Hills and Mayfair Gardens, before moving to the Tesa Dam in East Legon and Oyarifa.

Tesa Dam: Illegal Structures Fall As Dredging Begins

At the Tesa Dam near Boundary Road, the taskforce pulled down structures built along the banks, where encroachment has dangerously narrowed the waterway. Developers had erected illegal retaining walls, while squatters contributed to heavy siltation through indiscriminate dumping of plastic waste.

Before demolition began, Lt. Col. Frank Osei Amponsah, Commanding Officer of the 48 Engineer Regiment, addressed affected residents, stressing that the operation aims to restore the waterway and reduce flood risk. Occupants were allowed to remove their belongings.

Once the structures came down, dredging began immediately to restore the dam’s retention capacity and improve water flow toward the Motorway, East Legon and nearby communities.

The Tesa Dam, a major flood retention basin, has suffered years of siltation and encroachment. Brigadier General Okae‑Yeboah said illegal developments had “narrowed the channel,” preventing water from flowing freely downstream.

He added that the operation will not end at demolition: “We will clear the debris, dredge the area, and create a buffer zone where no one will be allowed to build. Assemblies must monitor the area and act immediately when anyone attempts to encroach.”

Mahama Orders Year‑Round Desilting

Minister Kenneth Gilbert Adjei said President John Mahama has directed that desilting of drains nationwide become a continuous, year‑round exercise.

“This will not end today. After demolitions, dredging will continue throughout the year so that whenever it rains, water has enough space to collect. The President has directed that we prevent a repeat of the recent flooding.”

Oyarifa & Mayfair: Waterways Reclaimed

At Oyarifa, the taskforce demolished a block of apartments built directly over a natural waterway. Another developer had diverted the watercourse entirely, worsening flood risk. Both obstructions were removed.

Around Mayfair Estates, a concrete‑reinforced bridge constructed by residents and developers was pulled down for blocking a natural waterway. Dredging is underway, and additional encroaching structures are set for demolition.

Nationwide Anti‑Flood Push Continues

The taskforce says the nationwide operation aims to restore waterways, improve stormwater drainage and prevent a recurrence of the recent floods that hit several communities in Greater Accra.

Phase Two will focus on Weija, Mallam and Laboma.

— CitiNewsRoom