Former Greater Accra Regional Minister, Henry Quartey, has called on President John Dramani Mahama to review the composition of the government’s Anti-Flood Taskforce, arguing that several critical state institutions and technical experts have been left out.
Speaking on Citi FM’s Eyewitness News, Mr. Quartey said although he respects those appointed to the committee, its current membership does not adequately reflect the expertise required to address Ghana’s persistent flooding crisis.
The Anti-Flood Taskforce was recently established by President Mahama to coordinate the country’s response to recurring floods. It is chaired by Stanislav Xoese Dogbe, Deputy Chief of Staff, with Marietta Brew serving as secretary.
However, Mr. Quartey believes the committee should be expanded to include key government officials whose mandates directly relate to disaster management and emergency response.
“I think on issues of flooding, you cannot form a committee of this nature without the Minister for the Interior. You cannot form a committee of this nature without the Minister for Finance,” he said.
According to him, flooding is no longer solely an environmental issue but one that poses serious national security and economic risks, making the involvement of top security and financial decision-makers indispensable.
He further proposed the inclusion of the Inspector-General of Police, the Chief of Defence Staff, officials from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), and other relevant security agencies.
Mr. Quartey also stressed the need to bring technical experts onto the taskforce to provide evidence-based advice that can inform government policy.
“You need a geologist. You need a hydrogeologist. You need a spatial planner. These people should be on the committee so that they can provide the technical advice, and then the politicians can drive the policy,” he stated.
While acknowledging the competence of the current members, the former Greater Accra Regional Minister argued that a broader mix of technical and institutional expertise would significantly improve the taskforce’s effectiveness.
“With the greatest respect, the President may have to look at it again and add some flesh to the committee so they will be able to perform their duties,” he added.
His comments come in the aftermath of the recent floods that inundated several communities across Greater Accra Region and other parts of the country, reigniting public debate over the need for stronger flood prevention strategies, improved urban planning and better coordination among state institutions.
