The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has criticised the government over the recurring flooding in parts of the country, accusing the administration of failing to implement effective flood mitigation measures despite repeated disasters.
In a statement issued on Monday (29 June), the party expressed sympathy to thousands of Ghanaians affected by the floods but argued that the government was responding to the crisis with “public relations gimmicks” instead of practical interventions.
The NPP said the latest floods, which inundated major roads and communities including the N1 Highway, Apenkwa, Achimota, Kaneshie, Weija, Spintex, Darkuman Junction and the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange, highlighted what it described as the government’s inability to address a long-standing national challenge.
According to the party, the flooding in these areas has become an annual occurrence, yet little progress has been made in tackling the underlying causes.
The statement, signed by the party’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, accused the administration of creating confusion by splitting responsibility for flood management between the Ministry of Local Government and the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources.
The NPP argued that the arrangement had resulted in overlapping responsibilities and weakened coordination, preventing effective action against flooding.
The party also questioned the decision to assign a Deputy Chief of Staff, Stan Dogbe, to coordinate anti-flood interventions, contending that the position lacks the ministerial authority required to direct ministries during a national emergency.
According to the NPP, the government’s anti-flood initiatives have either not been implemented or have been poorly executed, while delays in the release of funds for flood mitigation programmes have further undermined efforts to address the problem.
The opposition further criticised remarks by President John Dramani Mahama, who reportedly attributed part of the flooding problem to poor environmental practices and indiscipline among citizens.
The NPP rejected that position, insisting that while public cooperation is important, the government bears the primary responsibility for designing and implementing effective flood control systems.
The party called on the President to immediately consolidate flood management responsibilities under a single ministry to improve coordination and accountability.
It also urged the government to appoint a minister with clear authority to lead national flood response efforts instead of assigning the role to the Deputy Chief of Staff.
Additionally, the NPP demanded a public account of the work undertaken by the government’s anti-flood task force, including details of its activities, the outcomes of aerial surveillance operations and how funds allocated to flood mitigation have been utilised.
The party further called on the government to work more closely with Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies as well as technical experts to strengthen land-use planning, improve sanitation management and expand drainage infrastructure to reduce the impact of future floods.
Reaffirming its support for victims of the floods, the NPP pledged to continue holding the government accountable over its handling of flood management and disaster preparedness.
