President John Dramani Mahama has called for urgent reforms in Ghana’s physical planning system, questioning how buildings in waterways and flood-prone areas continue to receive official approval amid recurring flooding incidents across the country.

The President made the remarks on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at the Accra International Airport after returning from an official visit to Belarus, where he directed state agencies to begin a nationwide flood assessment exercise.

He instructed the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and other relevant institutions to prepare a comprehensive report on Ghana’s flooding situation, including mapping restricted waterways and identifying high-risk zones.

The assessment, he said, will guide both immediate interventions and long-term measures to address the country’s recurring flood challenges, particularly in urban centres like Accra.

President Mahama expressed concern that despite repeated flooding incidents, developments continue to emerge in areas that should be protected as waterways or drainage channels.

He questioned lapses in the building approval process, suggesting the need for accountability within institutions responsible for granting permits.

“We have to do some soul-searching,” he said, adding that some structures in flood-prone areas had received official permits.

The President noted that this year’s prolonged rainy season, which began in May and has extended into June, has intensified flooding in several communities, causing disruption and damage.

He stressed that government must move beyond reactive responses and adopt stronger preventive measures to address the root causes of flooding, including poor urban planning and encroachment on waterways.

President Mahama also called for stricter enforcement of planning regulations to prevent further construction in restricted areas.

“We shouldn’t be like the vulture who says he will repair his roof when the rain stops,” he cautioned.

He directed NADMO and allied agencies to collaborate on a nationwide mapping of waterways and flood-prone communities, which will form the basis for future infrastructure and environmental interventions.

The President further emphasized the need for sustained public education on environmental management, urging state communication agencies to intensify awareness campaigns on flooding risks and responsible development practices.

According to him, a combination of enforcement, planning discipline, and public sensitisation will be critical to reducing the country’s vulnerability to flooding and preventing future disasters.