Member of Parliament for Akyem Oda and former Deputy Minister for Health, Alexander Akwasi Acquah, has criticised Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson over his comments and proposals on Ghana’s recurring flooding crisis, arguing that the government must accept responsibility for what he describes as preventable deaths caused by negligence.
His remarks followed the presentation of the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review in Parliament on Thursday, July 23, during which the Finance Minister outlined the government’s response to the devastating floods that struck parts of the country on June 29 and announced plans for a long-term solution.
In his presentation, Dr. Ato Forson paid tribute to families who lost relatives and property in the floods that affected Accra and several other parts of the country.
He also compared Ghana’s experience with similar flooding incidents in neighbouring countries, stressing that flooding remains a regional challenge.
The Finance Minister further disclosed that the government would make financial provisions in the 2027 national budget to implement a comprehensive and permanent solution to the persistent flooding that continues to affect Accra and other flood-prone communities.
According to Dr. Ato Forson, the government recognises the severe human and economic consequences of the annual floods, which continue to claim lives, destroy homes and businesses, and damage critical public infrastructure.
He explained that although emergency relief efforts remain necessary, the government intends to shift its focus towards long-term interventions aimed at significantly reducing flood risks and protecting vulnerable communities.
Dr. Ato Forson also told Parliament that the government responded swiftly after the June 29 floods by coordinating emergency relief operations and providing assistance to affected communities to help restore normalcy.
However, Mr. Acquah believes the Finance Minister failed to address the country’s shortcomings in preventing the disaster despite acknowledging its devastating impact.
In a statement issued after the budget presentation, the Akyem Oda MP argued that while paying tribute to the victims was appropriate, the government owed Ghanaians a clearer explanation of why the disaster claimed so many lives.
He questioned the Finance Minister’s comparison of Ghana’s flooding situation with that of neighbouring countries, arguing that no details were provided about the number of casualties recorded elsewhere.
According to Mr. Acquah, simply describing the floods as an act of nature does not absolve authorities of responsibility.
“It may have been an act of God, but we lost 33 lives due to our negligence and a quest to present a good economic outlook,” he stated.
The former Deputy Health Minister further alleged that Ghana had failed to effectively utilise funds intended for flood mitigation projects, citing concerns he attributed to the World Bank regarding the use of resources earmarked for such interventions.
He argued that inadequate investment in drainage infrastructure and flood prevention measures significantly worsened the impact of the disaster, resulting in avoidable deaths and widespread destruction.
Mr. Acquah also questioned the government’s expenditure priorities, suggesting that excessive emphasis on controlling public spending should not come at the expense of protecting lives and property.
“What type of people are we? And then we pride ourselves on suppressing expenditures,” he remarked.
His comments have added to the growing national debate over flood preparedness, infrastructure development and public spending, with many stakeholders calling for urgent and sustainable measures to tackle Ghana’s perennial flooding challenge.
The exchange comes as the government prepares to incorporate major flood mitigation interventions into the 2027 budget, a move it says is intended to provide a permanent solution to one of the country’s most persistent environmental and public safety challenges.
By 1960news.com
