Flood Crises: This Is Not the Time for Blame Games” — Kwakye Ofosu Calls for Unity (AUDIO)

The Minister of Government Communications and MP for Abura Asebu-Kwamankese, Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu has urged Parliament and political actors to approach the devastating floods in Accra with sincerity and national unity, warning against what he described as “misguided political gimmickry” and partisan blame games at a time when thousands of citizens are displaced and lives have been lost.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament, Hon. Kwakye Ofosu stressed that the scale of the disaster demands honesty, coordination, and practical solutions rather than political contestation.

“I want to ask that we be sincere to the Ghanaian people in dealing with this flood matter,” he said, appealing for calm and responsible discourse.

He disclosed that the floods have already affected over 7,000 households, left 12 people dead, and left seven others missing, describing the situation as a major national emergency requiring urgent attention.

According to him, the current approach to the flooding crisis must not be reduced to political theatre, insisting that the focus should remain on relief and long-term mitigation.

“It's not a time for misguided political… backward political reform intended to achieve short-term sectarian ends,” he stated.

Responding to claims that the government's response has been poorly coordinated, the minister dismissed such assertions as inaccurate, arguing that the presidential committee established to manage flood response efforts is functioning effectively.

“The committee set up by the President to coordinate efforts to tackle flooding has not in any way resulted in a lack of coordination,” he said, adding that multiple agencies are involved due to the multi-sectoral nature of the crisis.

He further defended the deployment of deputies and technical staff in coordinating emergency responses, stating that such arrangements are standard practice in complex national emergencies. \

Hon. Kwakye Ofosu also addressed criticism regarding the timing of government financial interventions, arguing that relief funding can only be disbursed when disasters actually occur.

“Who releases money for relief in advance of the occurrence of the problem? ” he asked.

He revealed that part of the emergency funding will support approximately 38,000 displaced persons, while additional allocations are being directed toward flood mitigation and infrastructure repairs.

He also referenced a further $150 million programme aimed at addressing flood-related damage and preventing future occurrences.

Providing context for the severity of the disaster, the Minister cited unusual rainfall patterns as a key factor behind the flooding.

He noted that Ghana recorded 117 millimetres of rainfall within just 13 hours, compared to only 56 millimetres recorded throughout the entire month of June last year.

“This is an extraordinary situation that would not have been foreseen,” he said, stressing that the intensity of rainfall contributed significantly to the scale of destruction.

While acknowledging past and present challenges in managing flooding in Accra, Kwakye Ofosu cautioned against politicising the crisis, urging accountability across all administrations.

He questioned the effectiveness of past spending on flood control measures, arguing that repeated worsening of the problem must be critically examined.

However, he maintained that the current administration is committed to addressing the issue comprehensively, noting that long-term solutions require time, resources, and national cooperation.

“President Mahama has agreed that it is his responsibility as president to address this problem,” he said, adding that decisive steps are being taken.

Hon. Kwakye Ofosu concluded by calling for patience, unity, and constructive engagement, stressing that Accra’s flooding crisis cannot be solved through political grandstanding but through coordinated national action.

“This is not a time for political gimmicks. It is a time for sincerity and solutions,” he emphasised.

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