The Akufo-Addo administration invested GHS 450 million in flood control measures over its eight years in office. This substantial spending aimed to mitigate the impact of flooding across Ghana. Francis Asenso-Boakye, the former Minister for Works and Housing, disclosed this figure.
A significant portion of this GHS 450 million funded the construction and improvement of drainage infrastructure. These projects were part of broader efforts to strengthen Ghana's flood management capacity. Many projects focused on flood-prone areas, especially in the capital, Accra.
This investment reflects Ghana's ongoing struggle with recurrent flooding, a challenge worsened by rapid urbanization and inadequate planning. Persistent floods cause significant economic damage, displace communities, and pose public health risks. Previous governments have also made efforts to address this issue, but the problem continues to plague many urban centers.
Mr. Asenso-Boakye, who is also the Member of Parliament for Bantama, urged the current Mahama administration to sustain and expand these flood prevention investments. He stressed that while building new infrastructure is crucial, strict enforcement of planning regulations is equally important. He stated, “In the eight years of the Akufo-Addo Administration, the government committed GHS 450 million towards flood control programmes. I am urging this government to continue on that path because it is necessary. But a critical part has to do with regulatory measures and strictly adhering to settlement planning schemes.”
Moving forward, the focus will likely remain on both infrastructure development and regulatory reform. Decision-makers and markets will watch for the continuation of these investment levels. The Chairperson of Parliament’s Local Government and Rural Development Committee, Queenstar Pokuah Sawyerr, affirmed Parliament's commitment to tackling recurring flooding. Her committee aims to assess local assembly responses and identify effective policy interventions. This combined approach is vital for protecting communities and ensuring sustainable urban development.