By Daniel Bampoe
The Centre for Policy Scrutiny (CPS) has called on the government to accelerate relief and recovery efforts for thousands of people affected by the devastating June 29 floods, warning that the recurring flooding crisis demands urgent national action beyond emergency interventions.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the policy think tank expressed its deepest condolences to families who lost loved ones and sympathised with residents whose homes, businesses and livelihoods were destroyed by the floods that swept through parts of Accra, Tema and surrounding communities following hours of torrential rainfall.
The June 29 floods have been described as one of the country’s worst natural disasters in recent years, leaving dozens dead, displacing thousands of residents and causing extensive damage to homes, markets, roads and public infrastructure across several communities.
According to the Centre for Policy Scrutiny, the scale of destruction underscores the urgent need for government to move quickly from emergency rescue operations to comprehensive humanitarian support for victims struggling to rebuild their lives.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of lives, destruction of property and displacement of many residents following the heavy rains and flooding. Our thoughts are with bereaved families and all victims currently facing hardship as a result of the disaster,” the statement said.
The Centre commended the Ghana National Fire Service, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), the Ghana Armed Forces and other emergency response agencies for their rescue operations during the disaster.
However, it stressed that immediate relief assistance must now be prioritised for vulnerable households that have lost their homes, personal belongings and sources of income.
The think tank urged government to expedite the distribution of relief items and recovery support to affected communities to help victims recover from the humanitarian crisis.
Beyond the immediate response, CPS argued that Ghana’s perennial flooding problem requires sustained policy reforms and long-term investments rather than temporary interventions after disasters occur.
According to the organisation, improving drainage infrastructure, strengthening urban planning systems and enforcing sanitation regulations remain critical to addressing the root causes of flooding.
It noted that indiscriminate development, poor waste management practices and weak enforcement of planning laws continue to worsen flooding in many urban communities.
“The recurring flooding situation in Ghana requires urgent and sustained national attention. Beyond emergency responses, there must be renewed commitment to improving drainage infrastructure, enforcing sanitation regulations and addressing poor urban planning which continue to worsen the flooding challenge,” the statement added.
The Centre further described the June 29 floods as a national wake-up call that should prompt stronger government commitment to flood prevention, environmental protection and climate resilience.
It also appealed to corporate organisations, civil society groups, development partners and individual Ghanaians to complement government efforts by supporting ongoing humanitarian interventions for affected families.
The statement was signed by Kweku Obeng-Adjei, Head of Corporate Affairs at the Centre for Policy Scrutiny.
