President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Minister for Finance to release funds from the national contingency fund to support victims of the recent floods that have devastated parts of Accra and other affected communities.
Speaking during a tour of flood-hit areas on Monday, June 29, the President expressed sympathy for affected families while stressing the need for urgent relief and a more permanent solution to the country’s recurring flooding challenges.
“I’ve asked the Minister of Finance to release some money from the contingency fund so that we can do some post-flood relief for persons who have been affected,” he said, adding that the government will move quickly to assist victims in the coming days.
He also urged a change in national attitude toward flooding and disaster preparedness, warning against complacency in addressing drainage and environmental challenges.
“We should change our attitude, and let us find a permanent solution to this Accra flooding problem,” he stated, likening the situation to neglectful behaviour where action is only taken after disaster strikes. “We shouldn’t become like the vulture who, anytime it is raining, says as soon as it stops raining he’ll repair his roof.”
President Mahama also commended the swift response of security and emergency agencies during the floods, praising their role in saving lives.
“I want to thank the military, the police, the Ministry of Works and Housing, and all the emergency response teams, including the 48th Engineers Regiment, for the rescue that they did,” he said, noting that several people were rescued from their homes using boats and other emergency support.
He added that the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) will continue efforts to identify victims and provide immediate assistance.
“NADMO will do what it can to try to identify the victims and see how we can support them in the next few days,” the President noted.
