Gov’t Releases GH¢350m from Contingency Fund for Flood Relief and Mitigation

The Ministry of Finance has credited GH¢350 million to the National Disaster Management Committee to fund emergency flood relief and mitigation following severe flooding in parts of the country.

The release follows a directive by President John Dramani Mahama to the Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, to mobilise resources from the Contingency Fund for immediate response and longer-term flood measures.

In compliance with Article 177 of the 1992 Constitution, the Finance Minister first obtained parliamentary approval for the withdrawal through the Finance Committee.

After Parliament’s approval, Dr Forson authorised the Controller and Accountant-General to transfer the full GH¢350 million to the National Disaster Management Committee to implement the National Emergency Flood Response Programme.

Pursuant to the directive, the Controller and Accountant-General opened a dedicated National Disaster Management Committee Account at the Bank of Ghana and has transferred the entire amount. The account is now fully credited.

Government says GH¢200 million will be deployed for urgent relief to flood victims and affected communities.

The remaining GH¢150 million will finance flood mitigation works intended to reduce the frequency and impact of future flooding.

“The transfer of the funds gives effect to President Mahama’s directive for an immediate government response to the flood emergency, providing timely assistance to affected communities while supporting long-term measures to reduce the impact of future flooding,” the Ministry stated.

The intervention comes as the government steps up efforts to support displaced residents and strengthen resilience against seasonal floods.

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