In view of the recent intense rains in Accra and other regions of the nation, National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer John Dramani Mahama has attacked the government’s efforts to prevent and manage floods.
The former president bemoaned in a Facebook post that many locations still face considerable flooding with even the smallest rainfall, despite the purported substantial investments in flood mitigation.
“The current situation is disturbing, especially in light of the enormous sums of money purportedly spent by this government on flood protection efforts such as emptying the Odaw. $200 million was allegedly wasted on the Greater Accra Resilient Integrated Development Programme (GARID), according to the government.
Parliament was recently called upon to authorise an additional $150 million for the same GARID, even though the full impact of that enormous sum and its involvement has not yet been felt.
Asserting that the safety and security of the people ought to be the primary concern of any administration, Mahama declared, “The current administration has failed in this regard.”
Kindly read the full post.
The recent heavy downpours in Accra and other parts of the country have led to extensive destruction of property and, according to reports, the loss of the life of a young schoolboy.
This has exposed the government’s failure to manage and prevent floods effectively and evokes deep concern about its lack of a comprehensive flood prevention and management plan. Many areas that in the past were unaffected by flooding today become inundated with the least rainfall.
Considering the huge sums of money allegedly spent by this government on draining the Odaw and other flood prevention interventions, the present situation is distressing. According to the government, $200 million was spent on the Greater Accra Resilient Integrated Development Programme (GARID). While the impact of that huge amount and its intervention have yet to be felt, parliament was recently recalled approving another $150 million for the same GARID.
Protecting the lives and properties of our people should be a top priority for a government. The current administration has failed in this regard.
Given the opportunity to lead our beloved country again, a new NDC government under my leadership will not rest until we find an engineering solution to the persistent flooding and implement an effective prevention and management plan. Our commitment to this cause is unwavering, and we are determined to bring about the change our nation desperately needs.
This will include investing in sustainable drainage systems, clearing structures in waterways, proper waste management, and proactive measures to mitigate the impact of heavy rains. We are committed to bringing about the change that our nation needs.
We cannot afford to continue risking the lives and livelihoods of our people. It is time for real change and real solutions. Let us, as Ghanaians and as a community, unite and work together to build a safer and more resilient Ghana.
Your voice and action are not just important; they are crucial in this endeavour. Together, we can make a difference.
Your voice and action are crucial in this endeavour as we work towards building the Ghana we want together.
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