President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Brigadier General Forster Okae-Yeboah, Director General of Joint Operations of the Ghana Armed Forces, to lead a nationwide flood mitigation exercise aimed at preventing future flooding and protecting lives and property.
The appointment follows the devastating floods that swept through parts of Accra on Monday, June 29, after hours of heavy rainfall, leaving widespread destruction across several communities in the Greater Accra Region.
According to official figures, the disaster claimed 13 lives, affected more than 7,000 households and impacted over 38,000 people, while causing extensive damage to homes, businesses and critical infrastructure.
Announcing the decision in a Facebook post on Thursday, July 2, Government Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu said Brigadier General Okae-Yeboah has been tasked to spearhead an “uncompromising, robust and all-action Flood Mitigation Exercise” as part of the government’s intensified efforts to tackle the country’s recurring flooding problem.
In his role as Director General of Joint Operations of the Ghana Armed Forces, Brigadier General Okae-Yeboah is expected to work closely with relevant state institutions and emergency response agencies to coordinate immediate interventions aimed at reducing flood risks and protecting vulnerable communities.
The Presidency also announced that the military officer will address the nation at 11:00 a.m. on Friday to outline the task force’s operations and the measures being introduced to protect Ghanaians from future flooding.
The briefing is expected to provide details on the operational strategy, participating agencies and immediate actions to minimise the impact of heavy rains.
READ ALSO:
June 29 floods: I almost became a victim – Nana Yaa Jantuah calls for more flood safety education
Greater Accra Minister orders transparent distribution of flood relief items
