President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Minister for Finance to release GH¢300 million from the Contingency Fund to support urgent flood relief and mitigation measures following severe flooding in parts of Accra and other communities in southern Ghana.
The directive, announced by the Presidency on Tuesday, forms part of Government’s response to the widespread flooding, which displaced residents and affected several communities after hours of heavy rainfall.
A statement signed by Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Presidential Spokesperson and Minister for Government Communications, said GH¢150 million would be used to provide immediate relief for affected individuals and communities.
The remaining GH¢150 million, it said, would be allocated to flood mitigation interventions aimed at reducing the risk of future flooding.
The statement said the President had also directed the deployment of personnel from the Ghana Armed Forces and the Ghana Police Service to support ongoing rescue and relief operations.
It said the security personnel would work in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Organisation and other emergency response agencies.
Earlier on Tuesday, President Mahama undertook an aerial assessment of flood-affected communities to evaluate the extent of the destruction and the humanitarian situation.
Following the inspection, he announced additional measures to strengthen rescue operations and protect lives and property.
