The government has committed additional funding towards the dredging of major drains in flood-prone communities as part of efforts to strengthen flood prevention measures across the country.

Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson announced the intervention while presenting the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review in Parliament on Thursday, July 23, saying the move forms part of a broader plan to improve drainage infrastructure and reduce the impact of seasonal flooding.

Addressing Parliament, Dr Forson stated that government would channel more resources into the ongoing dredging of critical drainage systems in vulnerable areas.

“Mr Speaker, more resources towards ongoing dredging of critical drains in affected areas,” he said.

The announcement comes weeks after President John Dramani Mahama visited communities affected by severe flooding in Accra and attributed part of the problem to human activities.

According to the President, the construction of buildings on waterways and resistance to the removal of such structures have worsened flooding and placed entire communities at risk.

He noted that although government often faces criticism for demolishing structures obstructing waterways, such actions are necessary to protect lives and property.

President Mahama also revealed that the recent floods were intensified by exceptionally heavy rainfall, with Accra recording about 140 millimetres of rain in a single day—more than double the highest daily rainfall recorded the previous year.

He explained that while changing climate conditions have contributed to the intensity of rainfall, human actions continue to worsen the effects of flooding.

As part of long-term flood control measures, the President announced a nationwide exercise to remove structures and other obstacles blocking major drainage channels.

He said Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), in collaboration with the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources, will identify encroachments on waterways for removal to improve the free flow of water and minimise flood risks.

President Mahama also directed the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) to step up support for communities affected by the floods by identifying victims, assessing the extent of the damage and coordinating emergency relief efforts.

He stressed that tackling Ghana’s recurring flooding challenges will require sustained government intervention as well as greater public cooperation and responsible environmental practices.