The President of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, embarked on an inspection tour of key intervention sites under GARID Project. The tour was part of the government’s push to address Accra’s perennial flooding and enhance urban infrastructure across the capital.

The President’s visit covered several critical sites, including Achimota-Abofu, where work is ongoing to reconstruct a severely damaged section of the Odaw River Basin. He also inspected the drainage improvement works stretching from Accra Academy to the Pamprom Traffic Light in Kaneshie, as well as the ongoing dredging of the Odaw River Basin.

Speaking to the media after the tour, President Mahama stressed the urgency of the works, especially with the onset of the rainy season. “These are not ordinary projects — they are lifesaving interventions,” the President stated. “Time is of the essence, and I’m calling on all contractors to expedite their efforts while ensuring the highest standards of quality. We cannot afford delays when lives and livelihoods are at stake.”

Accompanying the President was the GARID Project Coordinator, Dr. Kwadwo Ohene Sarfoh, who acknowledged delays in the implementation of some project interventions and expressed concern about the pace of work by certain contractors.

“We are aware that some interventions have fallen behind schedule, and that is a major concern,” Dr. Sarfoh admitted. “However, I want to assure His Excellency and the people of Accra that we are working closely with all stakeholders to accelerate progress. The GARID Project remains fully committed to delivering on its mandate of building a safer, flood-resilient Accra.”

The GARID Project, supported by the World Bank, is a flagship government initiative aimed at reducing flood risks, improving solid waste management, and enhancing infrastructure and resilience in low-income communities along the Odaw River Basin in the Greater Accra Region.