Accra: Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Obenewaa Ocloo, has emphasised that flood prevention is a shared responsibility and not the government's burden alone. She urged residents to support ongoing efforts to curb flooding across the region through strict adherence to environmental and safety regulations, particularly during the rainy season.
According to Ghana Web, the minister addressed a press conference on May 28, 2026, stressing that the fight against flooding cannot be left to the government alone. She urged residents to adopt responsible environmental practices and comply with safety directives issued by authorities. Ocloo highlighted that flood prevention requires collective discipline and active participation from all residents of the region.
Her comments come as several communities continue to deal with the effects of flooding caused by days of heavy rainfall, which have left homes submerged, displaced families, and damaged infrastructure in parts of the capital. Ocloo identified poor waste disposal practices as one of the major contributors to flooding, noting that drains and waterways often become blocked with refuse, preventing the free flow of water during storms.
Ocloo strongly urged the public to desist from dumping refuse into drains and waterways, avoid building on watercourses, and comply with safety advisories issued by the authorities. She also appealed to residents in flood-prone areas to prioritise their safety during periods of intense rainfall, especially when warnings are issued by emergency authorities.
She further warned against the dangerous practice of attempting to cross flooded roads and drains, a situation that has claimed lives in previous flood incidents. Ocloo advised motorists and pedestrians to avoid driving or walking through flooded roads and drains.
To help minimise the impact of future flooding, Ocloo directed all Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives across the region to intensify sanitation activities and ensure drains are cleared after rainfall events. She tasked her MMDCEs to deploy their sanitation task force to clear all debris after each rainfall to prevent choked gutters and subsequent flooding.
The Regional Minister also confirmed that the Weija Dam has been opened following rising water levels caused by heavy rains, affecting nearby communities and infrastructure. The controlled spillage was necessary to protect the structural integrity of the dam and prevent a potentially more dangerous situation.
Ocloo disclosed that members of the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) would embark on an inspection of affected areas to assess the damage and coordinate assistance, including evacuations where necessary. She assured residents that the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council would continue working closely with emergency agencies and other stakeholders to safeguard lives and property throughout the rainy season.