2027 Budget to Fund Permanent Flood Solution for Accra and Other High-Risk Areas – Ato Forson
The government will provide dedicated funding in the 2027 Budget Statement to implement a permanent solution to flooding in Accra and other flood-prone communities across Ghana, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has announced.
Presenting the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review in Parliament on Thursday, July 23, Dr. Forson said the Mahama administration is committed to ending the country’s recurring flooding crisis, which continues to claim lives, destroy property and damage critical public infrastructure.
He acknowledged that although emergency responses remain necessary during flood disasters, the government is shifting its focus towards long-term and sustainable interventions to protect lives, property and vulnerable communities.
Reflecting on the devastating floods that struck parts of Accra on June 29, the Finance Minister said the disaster caused widespread destruction, displaced many families and disrupted economic activities across the capital.
“The floods claimed lives, displaced families, destroyed businesses and caused extensive damage to public infrastructure. The government responded swiftly by visiting the hardest-hit communities, releasing funds and organising nationwide clean-up exercises,” Dr. Forson told Parliament.
He revealed that President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources to prepare a comprehensive flood management strategy that will permanently address flooding in Accra and other vulnerable parts of the country.
“The President has directed the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources to develop a comprehensive and permanent solution to flooding in Accra and other flood-prone areas across the country. Funding for the implementation of this permanent solution will be provided in the 2027 Budget and the Medium Term,” he stated.
The announcement follows the June 29 floods, which submerged several communities in the Greater Accra Region, disrupted transportation and commercial activities, displaced hundreds of residents and resulted in multiple fatalities.
The disaster has renewed public calls for sustained investment in modern drainage infrastructure, improved urban planning, regular desilting of drains and strict enforcement of laws against building on waterways.
The government is expected to outline the details of the proposed flood mitigation programme when the 2027 Budget Statement is presented to Parliament.
Source: Felix NYAABA/expressnewsghana.com
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