Greater Accra Regional Minister Linda Ocloo has enacted urgent emergency measures. This response comes as authorities anticipate more severe rainfall and flooding in the region. Heavy downpours have already caused significant disruption. The Ghana Meteorological Agency forecasts a period of intense rainfall activity.
Minister Ocloo stated that the situation is critical. Urgent collective action from officials and citizens is required. The Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council is working with NADMO and security agencies. They have enhanced preparations for potential emergencies during this rainy season. Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies received direct orders. They must immediately ramp up flood prevention activities. This includes thorough desilting of gutters and drains. Refuse removal from drainage channels is also a priority. Inspections of waterways will ensure clarity. Unauthorised structures blocking water flow will be removed.
The Minister stressed that while rain is unavoidable, its impact can be minimised. Everyone must contribute to this effort. A crackdown on illegal transport terminals is imminent. These stations often obstruct traffic. They operate from public spaces. All unauthorised lorry stations and transport terminals must be cleared. This action serves public safety and efficient city management. Several flood-prone areas are under strict observation. Key locations include Kaneshie, Alajo, and Odawna. Circle, Weija, and Tetegu are also monitored. Ashalaja, Dansoman, and Adabraka are on the list. Ashaiman, Tema Communities 1 and 2, and Madina are included. Adenta, Lakeside, and Borteyman are also under watch. Pantang and Kwabenya residents face heightened vigilance.
Regional and district response teams are now fully activated. They are collaborating with the Ghana National Fire Service. The Ghana Police Service and Ghana Armed Forces are involved. The National Ambulance Service supports these efforts. Essential relief items are strategically placed. These include food supplies and mattresses. Blankets, first aid kits, and life jackets are ready. Temporary shelters are identified on higher ground. These include schools and community centres. Assembly halls and religious facilities will also serve this purpose. These shelters are for people displaced by severe floods.
The Weija Dam has been opened. Rising water levels necessitated this controlled release. Continuous rainfall caused the surge. This action prevents structural damage to the dam. It ensures the safety of nearby populations. Communities surrounding the dam are already impacted. The Regional Security Council will conduct inspections. They will also oversee evacuation exercises soon. Residents in vulnerable areas are advised to stay alert. Relocation may be necessary during heavy rain periods. Motorists and pedestrians must avoid flooded roads. Walking or driving through floodwaters is dangerous. Past incidents show that many lives are lost this way. Minister Ocloo directed MMDCEs to deploy sanitation taskforces. These teams must clear debris after each rainfall. This prevents gutters from becoming blocked. The Minister noted that office work is insufficient. Ground-level action is paramount.
On infrastructure, 3,000 solar streetlights have been installed. The Ministry of Energy and Green Transition partnered on this. These lights improve visibility on major roads. They also aim to reduce cable theft. Roads benefiting include Katamanso School Junction. The stretch to Botwe School Junction is covered. Ntreh Avenue and Adjei Onanor Street are lit. Ashyie Fulani Road and Amanfrom to Katamanso also received lights. Minister Ocloo called for an end to waste dumping. Refuse must not enter drains and waterways. Flood prevention is a shared responsibility. It requires collective discipline and active participation. This is not solely the government's task.