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

President John Mahama has unveiled a long-term strategy to ease the mounting pressure on Accra by developing a new city outside the capital and relocating major government institutions, describing the move as a critical step towards addressing the capital’s recurring flooding and uncontrolled urban expansion.

The President announced the proposal after conducting an aerial inspection of communities devastated by Monday’s torrential rains, which left at least nine people dead, displaced hundreds of residents, and caused extensive destruction to homes, businesses, and public infrastructure across the Greater Accra Region.

Speaking after surveying the flood-hit areas, President Mahama said while immediate interventions would focus on improving drainage infrastructure and responding to the humanitarian needs of affected residents, Ghana must also pursue a bold long-term solution by reducing the intense population and development pressure on the capital.

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

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