48 Engineers Regiment to clear drains, support flood recovery effort – Interior Minister

The Government of Ghana has announced the deployment of the Ghana Armed Forces' 48 Engineers Regiment to undertake emergency drainage clearance and engineering works in communities severely affected by the recent floods that swept across parts of Greater Accra and other regions.

The intervention forms part of a broader national response aimed at accelerating recovery efforts following Monday's torrential rains, which left at least 12 people dead, several others missing and caused widespread destruction to homes, businesses and critical infrastructure.

Addressing Parliament on Tuesday, June 30, the Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, disclosed that government had already engaged the Acting Defence Minister to facilitate the deployment of the military engineering unit.

"We have engaged the Acting Defence Minister to deploy the 48 Engineers to undertake the necessary clearance works. This will help us respond quickly and avoid delays associated with procurement processes," the Minister told Parliament.

According to the Interior Minister, the 48 Engineers Regiment will immediately begin clearing blocked drains, removing debris, restoring damaged drainage channels and undertaking critical engineering works in flood-ravaged communities.

The deployment is expected to complement the ongoing efforts of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), the Ghana National Fire Service, the Ghana Police Service and other emergency agencies already working on rescue, relief and recovery operations.

Government believes the military's engineering expertise will significantly speed up rehabilitation efforts while helping restore access to roads and communities that remain cut off by floodwaters.

Monday's heavy rainfall, described by officials as one of the most severe weather events to hit Accra in recent years, triggered widespread flooding across several parts of the capital.

Among the hardest-hit communities were Alajo, Adabraka, Circle, Kaneshie, Weija, Tse Addo, Ofankor, Pantang, Ashongman Estates and sections of the Tema Metropolis.

Floodwaters submerged homes, businesses and major roads, stranding hundreds of motorists and commuters while disrupting commercial activities across the city.

Several educational institutions also suspended lectures and postponed examinations due to dangerous travel conditions.

Authorities have confirmed that at least 12 people lost their lives during the disaster, while search operations continue for missing persons.

The Interior Minister assured Parliament that government is mobilising all available resources to support affected communities and minimise the impact of the disaster.

In addition to ongoing rescue operations, authorities are coordinating the distribution of relief items, conducting damage assessments and implementing measures to reduce the risk of future flooding.

The deployment of the 48 Engineers Regiment is expected to play a crucial role in restoring damaged infrastructure and improving drainage systems in vulnerable areas.

Government has also reiterated its commitment to strengthening long-term flood mitigation strategies through improved drainage infrastructure, better urban planning and stricter enforcement against illegal developments on waterways.

As recovery operations continue, authorities are urging residents to avoid flood-prone areas, stay away from damaged electrical installations and comply with all safety directives issued by emergency response agencies.

The Interior Ministry says government will continue working with security agencies, local authorities and disaster management officials to restore normalcy and strengthen the country's resilience against future flood disasters.