Accra floods: government to demolish structures on six wetlands to mitigate future flooding
via GhanaWeb1 min read
The Ghanaian government, through the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources, plans to reclaim six wetlands in Accra by demolishing structures built on them. This initiative aims to reduce perennial flooding in the capital, following recent devastating floods that resulted in 10 fatalities, affected 7,761 households, and displaced thousands in the Greater Accra Region. Deputy Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, Gizella Tetteh-Agbotui, stated in Parliament that the wetlands need to be restored to their natural function as flood retention areas. She highlighted that illegal development on these lands has diminished their capacity to absorb excess rainwater, leading to increased surface runoff and exacerbated flooding during heavy rainfall. The Deputy Minister warned that all unauthorized structures on the affected wetlands would be removed and advised those who acquired such lands to seek recourse from the sellers. Reclaiming wetlands, enforcing demolitions, and securing sustainable funding for flood control are central to the government's long-term strategy to enhance Accra's flood resilience and protect lives and property.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by GhanaWeb.
New videos are emerging of the severe floods that affected Ghana's capital, Accra, and other southern communities on Monday, June 29, 2026. Among the footage, which includes tragic scenes of people being swept away, one video shows a group of approximately six young men rescuing a woman from her vehicle. The woman was trapped in her black 4x4 truck amidst floodwaters. The men, tied together with a rope, swam to her vehicle, opened the water-filled door, and safely removed her. Two of the men carried her to safety, while others attempted to retrieve items from her vehicle. The woman was observed giving directions to the men still near her vehicle as she was being carried to safety.
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Must ReadThe Ghana High Commission in South Africa has reassured Ghanaian citizens of their safety and welfare amidst recent anti-immigration protests. Ghana's High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quashie, stated on June 30, 2026, that the mission is in constant contact with South African security agencies and other stakeholders, monitoring developments through intelligence channels. The High Commission has advised Ghanaian business owners to temporarily close their shops until the situation stabilizes, following a June 30 ultimatum by protesters demanding undocumented African migrants leave South Africa. Quashie emphasized that the High Commission will not remain passive and will use diplomacy to resolve the issue, urging Ghanaians to exercise caution and remain indoors where necessary. He also conveyed that the Ghanaian government, including President John Dramani Mahama and the foreign affairs minister, is closely monitoring the situation and is concerned for the well-being of Ghanaians in South Africa. The High Commission has increased surveillance in affected communities and is coordinating with Ghanaian community leaders.