Member of Parliament calls for Accra to be declared a disaster emergency zone after severe flooding
via GhanaWeb2 min read
Rev John Ntim Fordjour, Member of Parliament for Assin South, has urged the government to declare Accra a disaster emergency zone for one week following extensive flooding caused by torrential rainfall. The lawmaker stated on June 29, 2026, that the worsening flood situation necessitates immediate and decisive government action to prevent further loss of life and property damage. He believes this declaration would activate all security agencies and emergency response institutions for coordinated rescue, relief, and recovery operations. The floods, which began on June 28 and continued into June 29, have left hundreds of residents stranded, submerged major roads, inundated homes and businesses, and cut off several communities. Reports indicate approximately nine lives have been lost, with emergency officials warning the death toll could increase. Emergency response teams from the Ghana National Fire Service, the National Disaster Management Organisation, the Ghana Police Service, and other security agencies are conducting rescue operations, evacuating vulnerable persons, assisting stranded motorists, and restoring access to roads.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by GhanaWeb.
President John Dramani Mahama conducted an aerial inspection of flood-hit areas in Accra following heavy rainfall from June 28 to June 29, 2026. The inspection revealed homes, companies, lorry parks, and streets submerged in water, particularly in areas like Circle and Weija. President Mahama was accompanied by key appointees, including the Minister for Works and Housing, Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, the Director-General of Ghana's National Disaster Management Organisation NADMO, Dr Joseph Bikanyi Kuyon, and Deputy Chief of Staff Stan Dogbe, who is also the Chairman of the government's Anti-Flood Taskforce. The President noted that while rainfall has increased, human factors such as building on waterways and blocked drains contribute to the floods. He announced plans for a National Security meeting to identify blockages and suggested decongesting Accra by relocating government departments as a long-term solution. Approximately 140 millimeters of rain fell, significantly higher than the 56 millimeters recorded as the highest single-day rainfall last year.
Heavy rains on June 29, 2026, have caused severe flooding, rendering key sections of the Winneba–Cape Coast Highway in the Central Region impassable. This has brought traffic to a standstill, leaving numerous commuters and vehicles stranded on both sides of the affected areas. The Ghana Meteorological Agency forecasts continued rainfall, with additional systems approaching from the Benin–Togo coastal belt, which could exacerbate the flooding. The Ministry of the Interior has issued a warning, advising motorists and pedestrians against attempting to cross flooded roads, bridges, or waterways due to the rapid rise of floodwaters and the serious danger they pose to life and property. Reports also indicate a man was swept away by floodwaters in Kasoa.
The National Commission for Civic Education NCCE is experiencing a severe funding crisis, with district offices reportedly not receiving subventions for administrative and program activities since 2025. This has hindered the Commission's ability to conduct essential outreach, including community engagements, public forums, and school programs. Key initiatives like the Constitution Week Celebration and Citizenship Week Celebration have not received dedicated funding in 2025 and 2026. District Directors have been compelled to scale down activities, rely on local resources, and even seek support from Members of Parliament and other local stakeholders to sustain civic education efforts. The funding challenges extend to staff welfare, with reports of unpaid travel allowances and per diems for a November 2025 training workshop. Despite an appropriation of GH₵144,580,479 for the NCCE in 2026, no disbursements have reportedly been made, and the Commission has not received an official explanation for the delay. This situation raises concerns about the NCCE's capacity to fulfill its constitutional mandate of educating citizens on their rights and responsibilities, promoting national unity, and fostering democratic participation, especially given its constitutional safeguards for independence.