*‘170mm in 13 Hours Was Unforeseen’ – Kwakye Ofosu Defends Gov’t Response to Flooding* Minister of Government Communications, Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, says the recent flooding was caused by an “extraordinary” rainfall that could not have been predicted, and that government funds are being targeted at both relief and mitigation. Contributing to debate in Parliament, Hon. Kwakye Ofosu stated that part of the allocated money will go towards providing relief for the 38,000 people displaced by the floods. “Another 150 million cedis is programmed to help address problems brought on by the flooding, which can lead to more flooding. So there is nothing wrong with mitigating the impact of further rainfall,” he said. The Minister stressed that the situation was not normal rainfall. “Mr. Speaker, we are not talking about normal rainfall. We are talking about 170 millimeters of rain in a space of 13 hours. The whole of last year June only 56 millimeters of rainfall was recorded. This year,

*Nkwanta North MP Calls for Shift from Flood Reaction to Prevention, Urges Stronger Sanitation Enforcement* Hon. John Kwabena Bless Oti, Member of Parliament for Nkwanta North and Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Sanitation, Water Social and Water Resources, says all stakeholders must play their part to end Ghana’s perennial flooding. Speaking in Parliament, Hon. Bless Oti noted that government, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, traditional authorities, the private sector, and the general public all have important roles to play. He called on citizens to desist from dumping refuse into drains and waterways, while urging the relevant institutions to enforce sanitation and drainage laws “without fear or favour.” “Mr. Speaker, the Committee commends the National Disaster Management Organization, the Ghana National Fire Service, security agencies, the National Ambulance Service, Assemblies, and all volunteers for their prompt response to the emergency and

Interior Minister: Flood Disaster Displaces Over 38,800 People Across Greater Accra; 12 Dead, 7 Missing The Minister for the Interior, Hon Mubarak Muntaka has informed Parliament that recent flooding across the Greater Accra Region has displaced 38,802 people from 7,761 households, while 12 people have lost their lives and seven others remain missing. Presenting an update to Parliament, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak said the floods have had a devastating impact on several communities, with Korle Klottey recording the highest number of displaced persons at 6,500 individuals from 1,300 households. Other severely affected areas include Tema Metropolitan Assembly, where 3,601 people from 721 households were displaced; Tema West, with 3,450 people from 690 households; Okaikwei North, with 2,620 people from 524 households; Weija Gbawe, with 2,500 people from 500 households; and Ablekuma South, where 2,300 residents from 460 households were forced to flee their homes. The Minister further

Interior Minister: No Fatalities in Odorna Market and Tema Fires as Government Targets GH¢350 Million for Flood Relief The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mubarak has informed Parliament that the government is mobilizing GH¢350 million from the Contingency Fund to support flood victims and strengthen flood mitigation measures following the recent floods in Accra. Providing an update to Parliament, the Minister disclosed that a fire broke out at Odorna Market at approximately 8:08 a.m. during the peak of the heavy rainfall. Emergency response teams brought the blaze under control by 11:33 p.m., and it was completely extinguished by 2:32 a.m. the following morning. Although numerous makeshift structures were destroyed, no lives were lost. The Minister also reported that a separate fire incident occurred in Tema. However, the fire was less severe, and no casualties were recorded. He further revealed that a newly constructed four-storey building collapsed at Taboola during the floo

Hon. Frank Asiedu Bekoe Calls for Accountability and Lasting Solutions to Alajo Flooding The Member of Parliament for Suhum Constituency, Hon. Frank Asiedu Bekoe, has called for urgent government action to address the persistent flooding in Alajo, describing the situation as a serious humanitarian and infrastructure challenge that continues to destroy lives, homes, and livelihoods. According to the MP, the recurring floods are largely the result of blocked and poorly maintained drainage systems. He noted that drains clogged with unmanaged waste and silt are unable to carry stormwater during heavy rains, causing floodwaters to overflow into homes and businesses. Hon. Asiedu Bekoe stressed that although Ghana has experienced several major flood events over the years including in 1933, 1960, July 1995, June 2015, June 2020, and May 2022 the underlying challenge remains the inadequate drainage infrastructure and poor maintenance of waterways. He therefore called for greater accoun

*Minority Women’s Caucus Condemns Attack on Former MP Adwoa Safo, Demands Full Investigation* The Minority Women’s Caucus in Parliament has strongly condemned what it describes as a “violent attack” on former Dome-Kwabenya MP, Hon. Sarah Adwoa Safo, during a family-related event in Kwabenya. In a statement released for immediate publication, the caucus led by Patricia Appiayei member of parliament for Asokwa and also the deputy minority leader, said it received the reports “with profound shock and concern” and called for swift justice in the matter. The Caucus said it “unequivocally condemns every form of violence against women, irrespective of the circumstances under which it occurs.” “No woman should be subjected to intimidation, assault or the use of firearms in the course of exercising her lawful rights or participating in family or public affairs,” the statement read. The group expressed solidarity with Hon. Safo and wished her “a full and speedy recovery from the inju

*Gov’t Cites Structures on Waterways as Cause of Ofankor Barrier Floods* The Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, Hon. Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, says the persistent flooding at Ofankor Barrier is mainly caused by structures built directly on major water drains. Responding to questions in Parliament, Mr. Speaker, the Minister noted that his Ministry is “fully aware of recurring flooding challenges within the Trobu constituency and its surrounding areas, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.” Hon. Adjei said the floods continue to threaten lives, property, livelihoods, and critical infrastructure, including the Achimota-Ofankor highway. “Mr. Speaker, the persistent flooding at the Ofankor Barrier is primarily due to structures constructed directly on major water drains obstructing the natural flow of water,” he stated. According to the Minister, the Ghana Hydrological Authority has conducted a technical assessment under the Greater Accra Drainage Planning Studie

*Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu Was Not in Prison Until June 24, Minority Alleges* Madam Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu was not in prison custody from her return to Ghana on June 9 until June 24, 2026, Hon. Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, has claimed. Speaking on behalf of the Minority in Parliament, Hon. Baffour Awuah said the party conducted its own checks to verify the whereabouts of the former MASLOC CEO following her return to the country. “A fortnight ago, speaking as the spokesperson for the Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee of the New Patriotic Party, I stated that we would do an independent check to confirm the whereabouts of Madam Sedina Tamakloe. Indeed we have done so,” he said. “We can categorically state that until yesterday, the 24th of June, Madam Sedina Tamakloe was not in prison custody. And so from the 9th of June when she arrived to the 24th of June yesterday, she was not in prison custody. That is a matter of record,” the

*Gov’t to Compile National Database of Mosques, Religious Sites – Ahmed Ibrahim* The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, has disclosed that the Ministry does not have the exact number of mosques in Ghana readily available. Answering a question in Parliament today, Mr. Speaker, the Minister said while a full national count is pending, there are several “easily identified” mosques across the country. These include the National Mosque in Accra, Bole Mosque in the Savannah Region, Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission mosques in Accra, Kumasi and Tamale, Tamale Central Mosque, Kumasi Central Mosque, Madina Mosque, Nima Central Mosque, Tudu Central Mosque, Accra Newtown Mosque, Fadama Mosque, Laribana Mosque, and numerous community/neighbourhood mosques. Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim said the Ministry is currently working to develop a comprehensive database of all religious organisations in Ghana. The database will record all faiths, their places of worsh

*FAMILY AND CONCERNED CITIZENS OF HON. ADWOA SAFO CALL FOR JUSTICE, URGE PUBLIC PRAYER* Family members and supporters of Hon. Sara Adwoa Safo have publicly appealed for justice and collective prayer, citing a matter of "great personal and communal significance." Dr. Boakye Yiadom, speaking as the family’s communication head, addressed the media and called on citizens and the general public to join in "fervent prayer" for Hon. Adwoa Safo. While details of the situation were not disclosed, Dr. Yiadom stressed the "serious situation she is currently facing" and emphasized the strength found in communal faith during challenging times. "The importance of collective support cannot be overstated," Dr. Yiadom said, noting that the family is leaning on public solidarity. Adding to the family’s message, Kwadwo Safo Jnr, son of the late Apostle Kwadwo Sarfo, made a separate but related appeal to church members. He urged them to honor and protect the legacy of his late father. He

*Gov’t Intensifies Fight Against Child Hawking, Links Poverty to Child Labour – Gender Minister* The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has told Parliament that poverty remains a key driver of child hawking in Ghana, and government is scaling up interventions to address its root causes while strengthening enforcement. Delivering a statement in the House, she said: “Poverty remains a key driver of child hawking. The Ministry continues to implement social protection interventions such as the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty programme, the School Feeding Initiative, and complementary livelihood support programmes aimed at reducing vulnerability and discouraging child labour practices.” Hon. Dr. Lartey added that the Ministry, together with stakeholders, is intensifying public awareness campaigns on the harmful effects of child hawking, child labour and exploitation. The campaigns also promote the importance of education and

*Cocobod Debt Crisis: Excess Procurement Left Suppliers Unpaid, Says Deputy Finance Minister* Deputy Minister of Finance, Hon. Thomas Nyarko Ampem, has told Parliament that mismanagement of Cocobod’s finances between 2021 and 2024 left the board unable to pay suppliers of fertilisers and agro chemicals, despite record levels of procurement. Speaking in the chamber, “Mr. Speaker,” he said Cocobod contracted quantities far beyond its budgetary capacity during the period. “For the 2021-2022 crop year, Cocobod procured agro chemicals valued at 455.7 million USD, while only 312.8 million USD was provisioned in the budget,” he stated. “Those chemicals were not paid for. Yet Cocobod continued to procure additional quantities in 2022, 2023 and 2024, all above the budgeted amount each year.” He cited the 2023-2024 season as the most extreme example: “While 76.5 million dollars was provisioned in the budget, Cocobod contracted about 668.6 million dollars in agro chemicals.” “Mr. Speaker,