Zoomlion, NADMO, and Partners Launch Emergency 3-Day Cleanup After Fatal Accra Floods

Heavy rainfall in the Greater Accra Region has resulted in a tragic loss of life and triggered a massive emergency response across the capital. On June 9, reports emerged of an adult and a child being swept away by strong currents at Nurses Quarters Junction in the Ga South Municipality. Witnesses indicated that the child was first carried away, prompting the adult's attempt at a rescue, which ultimately led to both being overcome by the floodwaters. This incident has heightened concerns over the severe dangers posed by the current rainy season, with local authorities urging residents near riverbanks to remain vigilant as more rainfall is forecast.

In direct response to the escalating flooding crisis, Zoomlion Ghana Limited, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), FeDEMS, and Dredge Masters have initiated a three-day intensive cleanup and desilting exercise. Running from June 10 to June 12, the initiative targets major drainage channels and flood-prone areas throughout Greater Accra to improve environmental sanitation. Dennis Nartey Adjannor, the Greater Accra Regional Director of NADMO, emphasized that the exercise is crucial for clearing the debris and silt that often block waterways and exacerbate flooding during heavy downpours.

The issue of irresponsible waste management remains a significant hurdle for flood prevention, highlighted by a recent enforcement action in Tema. A waste collector identified as Musah was arrested in Tema Community One after being caught dumping bags of refuse into a drainage channel during a rainstorm at approximately 03:00 hours. Charles Amos, the Assembly Member for the Padmore Electoral Area, intercepted the suspect following a tip-off from alert residents. This arrest underscores the ongoing challenge of illegal dumping, which clogs drainage systems and increases the risk of public health hazards, including mosquito breeding and destructive flash floods.

While emergency cleanups provide immediate relief, long-term solutions are being supported by the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) project. Backed by the World Bank, this project focuses on improving drainage infrastructure and solid waste management across the region. NADMO and Zoomlion officials have reiterated that these major investments can only be effective if citizens stop using gutters as disposal sites. As the rainy season continues, the public is urged to cooperate with sanitation authorities to protect both national infrastructure and human lives.