Former Anyaa-Sowutuom Member of Parliament Dickson Adomako Kissi has indicated that the prolonged absence of a Minister at the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, specifically, is weakening national efforts to address environmental challenges, particularly flooding, which continues to affect thousands of people across the country.
This comes amid growing concerns over Ghana’s ability to respond effectively to recurring floods. Speaking in an interview on June 23, Adomako Kissi urged President John Dramani Mahama to prioritise appointing a minister to provide leadership and coordinate interventions to prevent flood-related disasters.
According to him, appointing a substantive minister would signal government commitment to environmental protection, disaster preparedness and the implementation of long-term flood mitigation strategies.
Adomako Kissi argued that stronger leadership is needed to improve coordination among state institutions responsible for environmental management, emergency response and security enforcement, especially in tackling issues such as illegal mining, poor drainage infrastructure and unregulated development that contribute to flooding.
His comments come at a time when several parts of the country are experiencing the devastating effects of extreme weather events.
The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has reported that recent floods, mudslides, landslides and building collapses across the Central Region have resulted in the deaths of 18 people. More than 5,000 residents in 13 districts have been affected by the disasters.
According to Central Regional NADMO Director Kwesi Dawood, the situation has also displaced 377 people after 58 buildings collapsed during the severe weather events.
The latest figures highlight the growing human and economic consequences of flooding in Ghana, as communities continue to face destruction of homes, loss of livelihoods and disruptions to daily life.
With the rainy season expected to continue, concerns are mounting about the country’s readiness to respond to future emergencies and to implement preventive measures that can reduce the impact of disasters on vulnerable communities.
Observers say the ongoing challenges underscore the need for stronger institutional coordination, improved infrastructure and sustained investment in environmental management to address the root causes of flooding across the country.
By: Janice Opoku-Agyemang
