Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Obenewaa Ocloo, has emphasized that mitigating the region’s perennial flooding is a shared responsibility, urging residents to complement government efforts by strictly adhering to environmental and safety regulations.
Addressing a press conference on May 28, Mrs. Ocloo stated that tackling the flooding situation requires more than just state intervention; it demands collective discipline and active cooperation from the public.
“Flood prevention is not the responsibility of government alone. It requires collective discipline and active participation from all residents of the region,” she asserted.
Sanitation and Compliance The Minister strongly appealed to the public to stop the indiscriminate disposal of refuse into drains and waterways, a practice she identified as a major contributor to flooding in various communities.
She also warned against building in watercourses and stressed the importance of complying with safety advisories issued by the authorities.
Safety Advisories With the rainy season in full swing, Mrs. Ocloo advised residents in flood-prone zones to remain vigilant and be prepared to relocate temporarily if heavy rainfall persists.
Furthermore, she issued a stern warning to motorists and pedestrians to avoid attempting to cross flooded roads and drains.
“Motorists and pedestrians must avoid driving or walking through flooded roads and drains, as many lives have been lost in similar circumstances in the past,” she cautioned.
Government Interventions As part of measures to manage the situation, the Regional Minister has directed all Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to intensify sanitation operations.
“I task all my MMDCEs to deploy their sanitation task force to clear all debris after each rainfall so that we do not have choked gutters, which will result in subsequent flooding,” she instructed.
Weija Dam Spillage Touching on the operations of the Weija Dam, Mrs. Ocloo disclosed that the dam had been opened following heavy rainfall and rising water levels. She noted that the resulting spillage had impacted nearby communities and infrastructure.
She explained that the controlled release of excess water was a necessary step to prevent structural damage to the dam and ensure public safety.
Next Steps Following the press conference, the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) was scheduled to conduct an inspection tour of the affected areas to assess the damage and facilitate the evacuation of residents where necessary.
Mrs. Ocloo assured the public that the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council remains committed to working with stakeholders to protect lives and property. She added that authorities would continue to monitor the situation closely and implement necessary interventions to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents throughout the season.