Story by Eugene Nyarko Jnr. | Accra | June 29, 2026
Former Greater Accra Regional Minister, Henry Quartey, has described flooding in Ghana as a national security threat and called for bold and decisive measures to address the perennial challenge.
According to Mr. Quartey, the relocation of onion traders from Agbogbloshie during his tenure as Greater Accra Regional Minister significantly reduced flooding in several parts of Accra, including Airport Residential Area, Dzorwulu, Alajo, the Odaw River basin, Awudome, State Transport, Rana Motors, Pepsi Cola and adjoining communities.
Mr. Quartey explained that the relocation exercise, which moved traders from Agbogbloshie to Adjen Kotoku and Dominase, was undertaken with the support of the National Security apparatus and the full backing of the Presidency under former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
He said the intervention formed part of a comprehensive strategy aimed at restoring order, protecting critical waterways, improving drainage infrastructure and mitigating the persistent flooding that had affected the capital city for decades.
“The positive impact of this intervention was evident. Communities that had historically suffered severe flooding experienced a significant reduction in flood incidents, demonstrating that decisive leadership, backed by careful planning and effective enforcement, can deliver meaningful and lasting results,” he noted.
The former minister, however, expressed concern that following the change in government, enforcement of the relocation directive was relaxed, resulting in the gradual return of traders to Agbogbloshie.
In his view, political considerations influenced the decision to ease enforcement measures, adding that the consequences of that action have become increasingly apparent.
Mr. Quartey stressed that flooding should no longer be viewed merely as an environmental or seasonal problem, arguing that the recurrent loss of lives, destruction of property, displacement of families, disruption of economic activities and public health risks associated with floods pose serious threats to national stability and public safety.
He called for strict enforcement of planning regulations, protection of waterways and floodplains, removal of unauthorized structures obstructing drainage channels and the relocation of activities that impede the free flow of stormwater.
According to him, these measures must become integral components of Ghana’s national security strategy if the country is to build resilient communities and safeguard lives and property.
Mr. Quartey further emphasized that difficult but necessary decisions must be taken in the overriding national interest, irrespective of political considerations, insisting that prevention remains more effective, less costly and far more humane than responding to disasters after lives and livelihoods have been lost.
He also urged the media to revisit interviews he granted during his tenure, saying they provide important context on the rationale behind the relocation exercise and the flood management policies implemented at the time.
