Isaac Ashai Odamtten, the Member of Parliament for Tema East, has harshly criticized the Akufo-Addo-led government for its continued failure to address the ongoing flooding issues in the Greater Accra Region. Odamtten expressed his dissatisfaction with the government’s response to the region’s flood crisis and urged Ghanaians, particularly residents of the Greater Accra Region, to vote against the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the upcoming elections.
During an interview on Channel One TV’s Face to Face with Umaru Sanda Amadu, Odamtten condemned the government for its ineffective handling of the situation, citing the frequent flooding caused by clogged drains that significantly disrupt the lives of residents and businesses. He emphasized that despite promises made by the NPP to resolve the persistent flooding problem, little progress has been made, and residents continue to suffer the consequences whenever it rains.
Odamtten specifically pointed to the mismanagement of funds allocated to the Ghana Accra Resilient Integrated Development (GARID) project, a program that was designed to address the city’s long-standing flood problems. According to him, the government’s failure to properly execute the GARID project has exacerbated the flooding crisis in the region, leaving many communities vulnerable to flooding whenever heavy rains occur.
“The Dzorwulu dam reminds me of the grave corruption of this government,” Odamtten remarked, using the dam as a symbol of the government’s inability to manage flood-related issues. He explained that the GARID project, which was meant to improve Accra’s major drainage systems, has failed to deliver on its promises. The project was intended to tackle flood-prone areas such as Odaw, Korle Klottey, Klottey Lagoon, Sakumono Lagoon, and the Dzorwulu drain, but Odamtten accused the government of failing to properly implement it.
He further explained the technicalities of drainage systems, stating that when major drainage systems are properly aligned and expanded, they can hold more water and draw excess water away from the communities. However, when these systems are not properly maintained or expanded, the water cannot flow smoothly, leading to backflows and flooding. “When you don’t align them for the water to flow smoothly, they hit and push back, and that’s what creates the floods,” Odamtten said. He urged the people of Accra to vote against the NPP in the December polls, blaming the government for making the flood situation worse.
Odamtten also expressed confidence in the opposition party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), describing it as a better manager of flood-related issues. He called on Ghanaians to vote for the NDC, highlighting the party’s capability to manage the country’s flood crisis more effectively than the current administration. According to him, the NDC would take the necessary steps to mitigate the impact of flooding on residents and businesses, particularly in the Greater Accra Region, which has been heavily affected.
The GARID project, which Odamtten criticized, was originally launched as part of the government’s vision to improve flood risk management and solid waste management in the Greater Accra Region. The project was designed to mitigate the impact of flooding on families, businesses, and offices located in flood-prone areas along the Odaw River channel in Accra. The GARID project was expected to enhance economic and social development in the affected areas by reducing the frequency and severity of flooding.
However, Odamtten’s criticism suggests that the government has fallen short in its implementation of the GARID project. He accused the government of corruption and mismanagement, claiming that funds allocated to improve the drainage systems have not been effectively utilized. This failure, he argued, has contributed to the worsening flood situation in Accra and its surrounding areas.
The flood crisis in the Greater Accra Region has been a longstanding issue, with many residents and businesses suffering significant losses due to frequent flooding. Clogged drains and poorly maintained infrastructure have been cited as the main causes of the flooding, which often occurs during the rainy season. Despite various government initiatives aimed at addressing the problem, the situation has persisted, leaving many residents frustrated with the lack of progress.
Odamtten’s remarks reflect the growing discontent among residents of the Greater Accra Region, who feel that the government has not done enough to alleviate the flooding issue. His call for Ghanaians to vote against the NPP is part of a broader effort by the opposition to highlight the government’s failures in addressing key issues affecting the country, including infrastructure development and environmental management.
As the December elections approach, the flood crisis is likely to be a key issue for voters in the Greater Accra Region. Odamtten’s criticism of the government’s handling of the GARID project and the flood situation underscores the importance of effective governance in managing the country’s infrastructure and natural resources. Whether or not the NDC can capitalize on this issue to win votes remains to be seen, but Odamtten’s appeal to the electorate is clear: vote for change to address the persistent flooding problems in Accra.
In conclusion, Isaac Ashai Odamtten’s condemnation of the NPP government’s handling of the flood crisis in the Greater Accra Region is a stark reminder of the urgent need for effective action to address the region’s infrastructure challenges. His call for residents to vote against the NPP and support the NDC reflects the frustration felt by many Ghanaians who are affected by the frequent flooding. As the country prepares for the upcoming elections, the management of the flood crisis will undoubtedly remain a central issue for both voters and political parties alike.
