The Minority in Parliament has demanded a comprehensive investigation into the government’s flood preparedness task force, asserting that its inability to implement effective measures contributed to the severe flooding that affected parts of Accra on Monday, June 29.
During a press conference in Parliament on Tuesday, June 30, the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, stated that the flooding revealed the inefficacy of the anti-flood task force established by President John Dramani Mahama in 2025 to ready the capital for the rainy season.
He claimed that the task force, led by the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Stan Dogbe, existed merely “on paper and paper alone” and failed to provide substantial flood mitigation strategies.
“The flooding that occurred yesterday is the most evident proof that this task force did not implement any significant interventions on the ground. Had there been serious drainage improvements, desilting, or flood mitigation infrastructure in place, the effects of the heavy rains would have been significantly lessened,” he remarked.
The Effutu Legislator contended that entire communities were inundated despite the formation of the task force, labeling the situation as indicative of a growing disparity between governmental promises and actual outcomes.
“Instead, entire neighborhoods were submerged, highlighting the disconnect between government statements and actual performance. We are witnessing a trend, not a mere coincidence,” he continued.
Consequently, the Minority is urging Parliament to form a special committee to investigate the operations of the flood preparedness task force along with the relevant ministries and agencies tasked with disaster prevention.
The Minority Leader emphasized that the inquiry should ascertain what actions, if any, the task force has taken since its inception, the total public funds allocated to it, and the manner in which those funds were utilized.
He further stated that the investigation should focus on the flood mitigation strategies that were planned and executed, as well as the reasons for their failure to avert or significantly lessen the effects of what he termed as predictable seasonal flooding.
The Minority also urged that those identified as negligent or failing in their responsibilities should be held accountable.
“That inquiry must determine what actions, if any, the task force undertook since its inception. It should assess what funds were allocated to it and how those funds were utilized. It must also investigate what specific mitigation measures were planned and executed, and why none of these were effective in preventing or substantially reducing the impact of foreseeable seasonal flooding.
“Those deemed responsible for negligence or failure to fulfill their duties must be held accountable,” he asserted.
Pending the results of the proposed investigation, the Minority insisted that all members of the flood preparedness task force should resign from their positions to facilitate an independent inquiry.
“This does not imply a presumption of guilt. It is a fundamental standard of accountability that any institution facing serious scrutiny regarding its actions should uphold, ensuring that the investigation can proceed without interference,” the Minority Leader remarked.
This appeal follows the devastating floods on Monday, which resulted in loss of life, displacement of thousands of residents, and extensive damage to homes, businesses, and public infrastructure throughout the Greater Accra Region.
