Mahama proposes new city to decongest flood-prone Accra after Monday disaster

President John Dramani Mahama has announced an ambitious long-term plan to develop a new city outside Accra and relocate major government institutions as part of a comprehensive strategy to reduce congestion in the capital and address the recurring flooding that continues to threaten lives, property and economic activity.

The President unveiled the proposal after conducting an aerial inspection of communities devastated by Monday's torrential rains, which claimed at least nine lives, displaced hundreds of residents and caused extensive damage to homes, businesses, roads and other critical infrastructure across the Greater Accra Region.

Addressing the media after touring the affected areas, President Mahama acknowledged that while government would continue investing in drainage improvements and emergency response measures, Ghana must adopt a broader and more sustainable urban development strategy to permanently reduce the risks associated with rapid urbanisation in the capital.

"But ultimately, the other solution will be to decongest Accra," the President said.

"And that's why we're planning that we move some of the city out, that is, the major government departments, and then also create a new centre of growth so that our people will start building outside Accra in a new city instead of everybody looking for some space in Accra."

President Mahama explained that the proposed city would serve as both an administrative and economic centre capable of attracting government institutions, businesses, investors and residential developments away from the overcrowded capital.

According to him, the initiative is being designed as a carefully planned national development project that will be implemented over approximately 20 years.

He disclosed that technical experts are currently preparing the master plan and engineering designs for the project before land is made available for development.

"That's a long-term solution. Like I said, it's a 20-year project. They are still working on the designs," he stated.

"Once they do that, we'll demarcate. People can start buying plots if they like, and can start building houses. We'll do the roads and bring the water and electricity so that it eases the pressure on Accra as a city."

The President said the project would be supported by modern infrastructure, including road networks, water supply, electricity, drainage systems and other essential public services to encourage individuals, businesses and institutions to relocate.

The announcement follows one of the worst flooding disasters to hit Accra in recent years after several hours of intense rainfall overwhelmed drainage systems across the capital.

Entire communities were submerged as floodwaters swept through major parts of the city, including Circle, Alajo, Kaneshie, Adabraka, Achimota, Weija, Madina, Adenta, Lapaz and sections of Spintex.

The flooding brought economic activity to a near standstill as roads became impassable, businesses suspended operations and thousands of commuters were stranded.

At the Circle transport terminal, commercial drivers and passengers climbed onto the roofs of buses to escape rising floodwaters while emergency response teams worked tirelessly to rescue residents trapped inside flooded homes and stranded vehicles.

The severe weather also disrupted education, forcing the University of Ghana to suspend lectures while the Ghana School of Law postponed examinations because of dangerous travel conditions across the capital.

Emergency agencies, including the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), the Ghana National Fire Service, the Ghana Police Service and personnel from the Ghana Armed Forces, continue rescue operations, relief distribution and damage assessments in affected communities.

Urban planners have consistently warned that Accra's rapid population growth, uncontrolled physical development, poor land-use planning, encroachment on waterways and inadequate drainage infrastructure have significantly increased the city's vulnerability to flooding.

Experts argue that decades of unregulated construction on wetlands and natural drainage channels have restricted the free flow of stormwater, causing floods to become more frequent and destructive during heavy rainfall.

Government believes relocating selected ministries, departments and agencies to a newly developed city could significantly reduce pressure on Accra's overstretched infrastructure while creating opportunities for balanced regional development.

The proposed city is also expected to stimulate new housing developments, attract private investment, generate employment and improve access to modern public services outside the existing metropolitan area.

The proposed relocation of government institutions forms part of a broader national vision to promote sustainable urban planning, strengthen climate resilience and encourage economic growth beyond the traditional boundaries of the capital.

Officials believe the initiative will not only reduce congestion but also improve environmental management, transportation planning and disaster preparedness over the coming decades.

While the long-term project is being developed, government says immediate attention remains focused on providing humanitarian assistance to flood victims, restoring damaged infrastructure and implementing measures to minimise the impact of future flooding.

Authorities have urged residents to avoid flood-prone areas, stay away from storm drains and submerged electrical installations, and comply with safety directives issued by emergency response agencies.

For many residents and urban planning experts, however, the latest disaster has once again underscored the urgent need for sustained investment in drainage infrastructure, stricter enforcement against illegal developments on waterways and comprehensive reforms to ensure that Accra becomes more resilient to the growing challenges posed by climate change and rapid urbanisation.