The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has launched a series of hands-on inspections in flood-prone communities across the Greater Accra Region as part of its preparations for the upcoming rainy season.
The exercise focuses on ensuring that drains are properly desilted, maintained and capable of channeling water effectively during heavy downpours. Authorities say the move addresses the region’s long-standing flooding problems, which in past years have caused loss of life, destroyed property and displaced thousands of residents.
Leading the inspection team is NADMO Director-General Major (Rtd) Joseph Bikanyi Kuyon, accompanied by senior officials from the organisation. Military personnel are also supporting the effort, assisting with assessments and clean-up activities in identified hotspots.
Speaking to the media during one of the site visits, Major Kuyon explained that the current work builds directly on assessments carried out last year, including a joint visit with President John Dramani Mahama to map out major flood flashpoints in Accra.
“This is not the first time we are coming here. Last year, we were here with the President of the country himself to have a look at flashpoints of flooding in Accra,” he said.
He stressed that effective disaster management goes far beyond responding after events occur.
“I have continuously, on many platforms, said that my administration’s focus is not to react to disasters only. Disaster management is a process. It starts from working to prevent and putting ourselves in readiness, should any disaster occur. So it is a process and not just an event,” Major Kuyon added.
He pointed out that much of NADMO’s preventive work happens quietly behind the scenes and often receives little attention until a disaster strikes.
“We’ve been working behind the scenes, which is mostly not catching the media eye because it’s not bad news. It only becomes public when the disaster strikes. But our focus is to work to ensure that disasters don’t happen,” he explained.
The Director-General noted that NADMO’s Inspectorate and Operations Department has been collaborating closely with district authorities and local administrators to identify vulnerable areas and clear drains ahead of the rains. He confirmed that the inspections are not a one-time activity but will continue periodically as the wet season draws near.
“So, it’s one of the briefings I have gotten from them that a lot has been done. But I can’t sit in my office, so I have to come around and look at all that has been done compared to what we saw last year,” he said.
Flooding continues to be a persistent challenge in low-lying and poorly drained parts of Accra, often worsened by blocked gutters, plastic waste and unplanned urban development. Officials say consistent desilting, public education on waste disposal and improved urban planning remain essential to reducing risks and protecting lives and property.
The inspections will extend to additional flood-prone zones in the coming weeks, with NADMO promising decisive action wherever gaps are found. Residents in affected communities are being urged to cooperate by keeping drains clear and reporting blocked waterways to local authorities.
