WE’RE PLANNING TO TO MOVE SOME OF THE CITY OUT TO DECONGEST ACCRA — President Mahama Proposes Solution To Accra Flooding
President John Mahama has unveiled a long-term strategy to ease the mounting pressure on Accra by developing a new city outside the capital and relocating major government institutions, describing the move as a critical step towards addressing the capital’s recurring flooding and uncontrolled urban expansion.
The President announced the proposal after conducting an aerial inspection of communities devastated by Monday’s torrential rains, which left at least nine people dead, displaced hundreds of residents and caused extensive destruction to homes, businesses and public infrastructure across the Greater Accra Region.
Speaking after surveying the flood-hit areas, President Mahama said while immediate interventions would focus on improving drainage infrastructure and responding to the humanitarian needs of affected residents, Ghana must also pursue a bold long-term solution by reducing the intense population and development pressure on the capital.
“But ultimately, the other solution will be to decongest Accra,” the President said.
“And that’s why we’re planning that we move some of the city out, that is, the major government departments, and then also create a new centre of growth so that our people will start building outside Accra in a new city instead of everybody looking for some space in Accra.”
President Mahama explained that the proposed development would be implemented as a long-term national project spanning about two decades.
He disclosed that technical experts were currently preparing the design and master plan for the proposed city, after which land would be demarcated for residential, commercial and institutional development.
“That’s a long-term solution. Like I said, it’s a 20-year project. They are still working on the designs,” he stated.
“Once they do that, we’ll demarcate. People can start buying plots if they like, and can start building houses. We’ll do the roads and bring the water and electricity so that it eases the pressure on Accra as a city.”
The President’s comments came against the backdrop of one of the most destructive flood events to hit the capital in recent years.
