Asenso Boakye: Gov’t Must Update Parliament on Stalled Flood Projects Worth $350m

Hon. Francis Asenso Boakye, Member of Parliament for Bantama Constituency and Former Works and Housing Minister, has cautioned that flooding is “one of Ghana’s most persistent national challenges” and urged government to avoid politicising the crisis and instead provide a comprehensive update on stalled flood control projects.

Making a statement on the floor of Parliament, the Former Works and Housing Minister said floods “affect all Ghanaians alike” and must unite the House around solutions.

“Mr Speaker, flooding has become one of Ghana's most persistent national challenges. This is therefore not a time for political points scoring. Flood waters do not discriminate. They affect all Ghanaians alike. You must therefore unite around practical and lasting solutions,” he stated.

Hon. Asenso Boakye cited inadequate drainage, weak enforcement of planning laws, poor waste management, rapid urbanisation and climate change as key causes.

He said the Akufo-Addo administration committed about $540 million between 2018 and 2024 under the National Flood Control Programme for drainage construction, rehabilitation and dredging nationwide.

The previous government also secured $200 million and an additional $150 million from the World Bank for the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development Project, known as the GARID Project.

The MP noted that before leaving office, major works including the *Odogonno Drain, Achimota Abofu Drain, South Kaneshie Drain and the Busia Highway* were underway. He added that the Accra Flood Early Warning System had been operationalised and designs for *atomic east and west detention ponds* were at advanced stages.

Hon. Asenso Boakye said it was “regrettable that reports suggest several of these critical projects have slowed down or stopped.” He urged government to brief Parliament.