Mid-Year budget: Govt is committing more resources to dredging of drains - Finance Minister

The Minister of Finance Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has assured that the government is committing more resources to dredging critical drains.

He said this forms part of measures to address the flood situation. The Finance Minister said this when he presented the 2026 mid-year budget statement to Parliament on Thursday, July 23.

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

Earlier, President John Mahama said that one of the reasons attributed to the devastating floods in Ghana is the issue of human behaviour.

He said that the irresponsible actions of a few individuals end up putting entire communities at risk.

Speaking after a tour of flood-affected areas on Monday, June 29, he said, " There is the issue of human behaviour. Whenever government begins removing structures built in waterways, some people accuse us of being inhumane. Yet when disasters such as today's flooding occur, the consequences affect everyone. The irresponsible actions of a few individuals end up putting entire communities at risk."

He further stated that the amount of rainfall recorded on Monday was among the highest experienced in several years.

"Preliminary data indicates that approximately 140 millimetres of rain fell on Accra. By comparison, the highest single-day rainfall recorded last year was about 56 millimetres.

"That aspect of the problem is beyond our control because it is driven by changing climatic conditions," he said.

President Mahama also announced plans for a nationwide effort to clear major drainage channels of obstructions as part of measures to address recurring flooding.

He said Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), working in collaboration with the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources, will be tasked with identifying structures and other impediments obstructing the free flow of water within their jurisdictions.

He indicated that the identified obstructions will be earmarked for removal as part of broader efforts to improve drainage capacity, reduce flood risks and protect communities vulnerable to heavy rainfall.

The President has also directed the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) to intensify support for individuals and communities affected by the recent flooding.

Ht said NADMO has been tasked with identifying victims and assessing the extent of the impact in order to provide immediate assistance where needed over the coming days.

The directive forms part of ongoing efforts to support affected residents and coordinate relief measures in the aftermath of the flooding.

He further called for a collective commitment to addressing the root causes of flooding in Accra, stressing that lasting solutions will require both government action and public responsibility.