Recent flooding, mudslides, landslides, and building collapses across the Central Region have claimed 18 lives and affected more than 5,000 people in 13 districts, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has revealed.

Addressing the Central Regional Director of NADMO, Kwesi Dawood, disclosed that out of these 58 building collapse cases, 377 internally displaced persons are currently being attended to.

He added that, “Out of these 58 building collapse cases, we have 377 internally displaced persons that we are attending to currently. In addition, we have over 5,000 flood disaster victims spread across 13 districts, aside from those affected by the building collapse incidents. We have also recorded 18 deaths”.

The Central Regional Director of NADMO noted that the affected communities will soon receive assistance once the Authority has assessed the situation.

Over the years, the country has been battling severe flooding whenever there are heavy rains. According to NADMO, the canker results from poor hygiene practices and poor drainage infrastructure.

“Most of the problems we have observed are that there is a lack of drainage in some communities, some of the areas are filled with filth…In some of the areas, we also have engineering defects,” he explained.

Gov't's move to end perennial flooding

President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his commitment to tackling Ghana’s persistent flooding challenges by ordering the demolition of illegally constructed buildings blocking waterways.

Speaking at the 2025 National Eid-ul-Fitr celebration at Black Star Square, he blamed the increasing flood disasters on poor urban planning and unauthorized developments in wetlands, waterways, and Ramsar sites.

The President made it clear that his administration would take drastic action against encroachers, stressing that all structures obstructing natural drainage systems would be removed to prevent further destruction.

Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, Hon. Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, has also revealed that approximately six billion dollars would be required to implement a comprehensive national flood control programme.

He cited both natural and human-induced factors as contributing causes of flooding. In his address, the minister described flooding as one of Ghana’s most persistent and destructive hazards, often resulting in the loss of lives, displacement of families, damaged infrastructure, and broader economic disruption.

He pointed to several regions that have been hit by recent floods, including Greater Accra, Ashanti, Western, Northern, and Volta. “The floods were triggered by intense rainfall, in some cases exceeding historical averages,” he said.

As part of the government’s immediate response, the minister said the Ministry is focused on improving drainage systems and strengthening community preparedness.

He also announced that the ministry is working with private sector partners to implement green and nature-based solutions, including wetland protection, afforestation, rainwater harvesting, and the use of permeable pavements. Pilot projects are being initiated in selected river catchments to serve as models for future interventions.

He highlighted the ongoing Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) project, which is supported by the World Bank. The project aims to reduce flood risk and improve solid waste management in the Odaw Basin and surrounding communities.

He, however, called for the support of Parliament, stakeholders, and the general public in building sustainable and inclusive infrastructure while protecting the environment.

Member of Parliament for Ahafo Ano North and former Director General of the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), Hon. Eric Nana Agyemang-Prempeh, urged government to release funds to enable the dredging of flood-prone areas.

He also called for action on the ongoing tidal wave challenges affecting parts of the Volta Region. Member of Parliament for Builsa North, Hon. James Agalga, added that the Ministry of Finance should expedite the release of funds to NADMO to support its response efforts.

Several downpour incidents in the country so far this year have led to the destruction of lives and property—as encountered in previous years.

Flooding that was caused by a downpour on Sunday, May 18, claimed the lives of five individuals. Many citizens believe that the successive governments have paid lip service to addressing the canker.

But the incumbent has insisted that it will work to address the challenges associated with flooding.