Onion Traders’ Return to Agbogbloshie Reverses Flood Gains in Accra - Hon Henry Quartey

Former Interior and Greater Accra Regional Minister, *Hon. Henry Quartey*, says the return of traders to Agbogbloshie after the 2024 government change has reversed gains made against flooding in central Accra.

In a statement, Hon. Quartey recalled that as *Greater Accra Regional Minister and REGSEC Chairman*, he led the *relocation of onion traders from Agbogbloshie to Adjen Kotoku and Dominase*. He said the exercise was carried out with National Security support and “full authorization and backing of Jubilee House under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.”

*Flooding Reduced After Relocation*

According to him, the move formed part of a broader plan to “restore order, protect critical waterways, improve drainage infrastructure, and mitigate perennial flooding.” He cited *Airport Residential, Dzorwulu, Alajo, the Odaw River basin, Awudome, State Transport, Rana Motors, and Pepsi Cola* as areas that saw a “remarkable reduction in flooding” after the traders were moved.

“The positive impact of this intervention was evident. Communities that had historically suffered severe flooding experienced a significant reduction in flood incidents,” he stated.

*Enforcement Weakened After Change of Government*

Hon. Quartey alleged that enforcement was relaxed after the change in government, leading to traders gradually returning to Agbogbloshie. “In my considered view, political considerations influenced that decision. Unfortunately, the consequences have become increasingly apparent,” he said.

*Flooding a National Security Issue*

He argued that flooding must be treated as more than an environmental problem. “It is fundamentally a national security issue,” he said, citing loss of lives, property destruction, displacement, economic disruption, and public health risks.

The former Minister called for “bold, courageous, deliberate, and decisive leadership,” including strict enforcement of planning regulations, protection of waterways, removal of structures blocking drains, and relocation of activities that impede stormwater flow. He said such actions must be part of Ghana’s national security strategy.

“Prevention will always be more effective, less costly, and far more humane than responding to avoidable disasters after lives and livelihoods have already been lost,” he added.

Hon. Quartey said he made similar observations in media interviews during his tenure and urged the media to “revisit those interviews” for context. He ended with: *“Oh Ghana, how did we get here?”*