Mahama proposes relocating key government departments to decongest Accra after devastating floods

• President John Dramani Mahama says Ghana plans to move major government departments out of Accra to reduce congestion and create a new growth centre.

• The proposal follows severe flooding in the capital after approximately 140mm of rainfall fell on June 29, far exceeding last year’s highest single-day rainfall of 56mm.

• Mahama described the relocation plan as a long-term solution while sympathising with residents who suffered extensive property losses.

President John Dramani Mahama has revealed plans to relocate some major government departments out of Accra as part of a long-term strategy to reduce congestion in the capital and curb the impact of recurring floods.

READ ALSO: Government intensifies flood response as Mahama tours affected areas, urges public cooperation

The President made the remarks after undertaking an aerial inspection of flood-hit parts of Accra following Monday’s heavy rains, which triggered widespread flooding, displaced residents, and caused extensive damage to homes, roads and businesses across several communities.

According to preliminary meteorological data, about 140 millimetres of rainfall fell on Accra on June 29, an exceptionally high volume for a single day.

By comparison, the highest single-day rainfall recorded in Accra in 2025 was approximately 56 millimetres, underscoring the severity of this year’s downpour.

Speaking after assessing the destruction, President Mahama said Ghana must begin pursuing long-term structural solutions to Accra’s persistent flooding problem, including reducing population and infrastructural pressure on the capital.

He explained that the broader vision is to develop a new growth hub outside the capital to encourage both public institutions and private development to expand beyond Accra.

READ ALSO: Flooding triggers emergency power shutdown at Mallam and Achimota GRIDCo and ECG substations

Mahama noted, however, that such a relocation plan would take time and would not immediately solve the city’s flood challenges.

Accra has for years battled severe flooding during heavy rainfall, largely due to rapid urbanisation, poor drainage systems, unregulated construction on waterways, and waste clogging major drains.

The latest floods once again exposed the vulnerability of low-lying communities, with several areas including Accra, Kaneshie, Adabraka, Weija and parts of Tema experiencing heavy flooding.

READ ALSO: South Africa's Pres. Ramaphosa warns citizens against violence ahead of June 30 anti-immigration protests

He also commended security agencies and emergency responders for their rescue efforts during the disaster.

Emergency response teams, including personnel from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), the Ghana Armed Forces, and the Ghana Police Service, were deployed across affected communities to rescue stranded residents and restore access to flooded roads.