Ghana partners World Bank to tackle Accra floods

Ghana is partnering the World Bank to invest $200 million in measures to tackle flooding in the capital, Accra.

According to the government, this forms part of its vision to end the perennial flooding which often results in the loss of life and property.

Minister for Works and Housing, Mr Asenso Boakye made this disclosure in a press statement issued on Thursday, June 3, 2021, in commemoration of the June 3 disaster in 2015, which claimed 152 lives and injured many others.

“In line with this, the government has collaborated with the World Bank to invest $200 million to, among others, implement the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) project.”

The Minister also added that the Akufo-Addo government will also “intensify efforts aimed at finding lasting solutions to the perennial flooding in Accra and other parts of the country.”

Meanwhile, Mr. Asenso Boakye also charged the citizenry to aid the government in this endeavour.

According to him, the government alone cannot end the menace if citizens do not also change their attitudes.

About the GARID project

The project is meant to mitigate flood risks and address the solid waste management challenges in the Odaw Drainage Basin.

It also involves the reconstruction of some bridges to remove identified impediments to the flow of water in the basin when it rains, and the construction of detention ponds upstream of the Odaw Basin, to hold large volumes of water that would otherwise lead to flooding, especially around Kwame Nkrumah Circle.

This project includes extensive dredging of the Odaw River and Korle Lagoon.