The Coordinator of the National Flood Mitigation Taskforce, Brigadier General Forster Okae-Yeboah, has led a high-level inspection of key water retention facilities and flood-prone communities in the Greater Accra Region as part of efforts to strengthen the government's flood response strategy.

Joining the inspection were Deputy Chief of Staff (Operations) Stanislav Dogbe, Minister for Water Resources, Works and Housing Kenneth Adjei, and Commander of the 15 Engineer Brigade, Brigadier General Richard Kinney.

The team toured several critical locations, including the Tesa Dam near the East Legon Boundary Road, Damfa, Amrahia, Oyarifa, the Kpeshie Lagoon and sections of the major storm drain along the Teshie Bush Road near the ICGC Temple East.

At the Tesa Dam, officials observed extensive encroachment that has significantly reduced the dam's capacity to retain stormwater. The inspection revealed that some individuals had erected illegal retaining walls within the facility, while a nearby informal settlement made up of wooden structures was identified as both a sanitation and safety concern.

Authorities said all unauthorised structures within the area have been earmarked for demolition.

The inspection at Damfa uncovered similar encroachment, where developments have reduced the size of a water retention pond designed to collect runoff from the Aburi Hills, limiting its effectiveness during heavy rainfall.

In Oyarifa, the task force found that some developers had obstructed a natural watercourse by constructing buildings across it and diverting the flow of stormwater. Several affected structures have also been marked for demolition to restore the natural drainage system.

Meanwhile, dredging works continued at the Kpeshie Lagoon, where personnel from the 48 Engineer Regiment are clearing silt and debris to improve water flow and reduce the risk of flooding.

The inspection forms part of a nationwide flood mitigation campaign launched by President John Dramani Mahama following the devastating floods that hit parts of Accra on June 29, 2026.

On July 3, the President appointed Brigadier General Okae-Yeboah, Director General of Joint Operations of the Ghana Armed Forces, to lead a coordinated national operation aimed at reducing flood risks and preventing future disasters.

The exercise is expected to bring together security agencies and relevant state institutions to undertake emergency interventions, including the desilting of drains, removal of illegal structures obstructing waterways and the protection of flood-prone communities.

The appointment followed one of Accra's worst flooding incidents in recent years, which claimed 34 lives and affected more than 38,000 people across over 7,000 households, while causing extensive damage to homes, businesses and public infrastructure.

Government says the task force will implement immediate measures to improve drainage systems and minimise the impact of future heavy rains as part of broader efforts to safeguard lives and property.