Former Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Suame, Maxwell Ofosu Boakye, has criticised the government’s response to the recurring flooding in Accra, arguing that it is unfair to place the blame solely on citizens while investment in sanitation remains inadequate.
Speaking on Angel FM in Kumasi, Mr. Ofosu Boakye questioned remarks by President John Dramani Mahama that attributed the flooding partly to poor sanitation practices by Ghanaians.
“The President is blaming Ghanaians. He is telling Ghanaians that they are dirty, that they have no conscience and that they are contributing to the mess,” he said.
According to the former MCE, while citizens have a responsibility to keep the environment clean, government must provide leadership and invest adequately in sanitation and flood prevention.
“Why is he the President? What is his role? It is to ensure that discipline works,” he stated.
Mr. Ofosu Boakye argued that the government’s budgetary allocation for sanitation does not reflect the seriousness of the flooding challenge.
“Sanitation remains underfunded. The government budgeted only GH¢18 million,” he claimed.
He questioned the level of resources the current administration has committed to tackling flooding and improving sanitation infrastructure.
“How many resources has he committed to the fight against flooding?” he asked.
The former Suame MCE further accused the government of failing to take preventive action.
“This government is not proactive. It is also not investing adequately in sanitation,” he alleged.
Mr. Ofosu Boakye called on the government to prioritise investment in sanitation, drainage infrastructure and environmental management, arguing that addressing flooding requires both public cooperation and sustained government commitment.
