President John Dramani Mahama has disclosed that about 48,000 people have been displaced following the devastating floods that hit parts of the Greater Accra Region after torrential rains on June 29, leaving 12 people dead and seven others still missing.
The President made the announcement on Friday, July 3, after bilateral talks with Sierra Leonean President and ECOWAS Chair, Julius Maada Bio, who paid a state visit to Ghana to express solidarity with the country over the flood disaster.
Describing the flooding as one of the worst in recent times, President Mahama said thousands of residents had been forced from their homes, while search and rescue operations continue in affected communities.
“This downpour was huge, and we estimate that about 48,000 people were rendered homeless. Twelve are confirmed dead, while seven are still unaccounted for. We have directed the military and the joint task force to mobilise immediately and restore normalcy as quickly as possible,” the President said.
He explained that personnel from the Ghana Armed Forces have already begun clearing blocked drains, removing debris and collecting waste left behind by the floods to restore access to affected areas.
“The Army has started clearing waterways, removing garbage and debris scattered across the city by the floods. We expect that within a week or two, conditions will significantly improve,” he added.
President Mahama also announced that the Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has released funds from the government’s contingency fund to support emergency response and flood mitigation efforts.
According to him, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), in collaboration with other state agencies, will soon distribute relief items, including mattresses, blankets and towels, to thousands of affected residents.
He further thanked President Julius Maada Bio and the people of Sierra Leone for their message of sympathy and solidarity during Ghana’s difficult period.
“We appreciate President Bio’s support and the solidarity shown by the people of Sierra Leone during this tragedy,” he said.
The June 29 torrential rains triggered widespread flooding across several communities in the Greater Accra Region, destroying homes, businesses and public infrastructure while displacing thousands of residents. Government agencies, the military and emergency response teams continue rescue, recovery and humanitarian operations as efforts intensify to assist victims and prevent further flooding.
