Former Dormaa East Member of Parliament, Paul Twum Barimah, has criticised the government over its handling of the recent floods, accusing it of prioritising public relations over long-term flood prevention measures.

In a Facebook post following the June 28–29 floods that affected parts of Accra, the Volta Region and the Central Region, Mr Barimah claimed the government’s immediate response focused on announcing relief funds, launching a task force and deploying security personnel, while neglecting existing flood mitigation initiatives.

According to him, the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development Project (GARID), a World Bank-supported flood prevention project, has suffered setbacks because of inadequate funding.

He alleged that in May 2026, the World Bank downgraded the project’s performance rating to “Moderately Unsatisfactory” after the Ministry of Finance reportedly capped disbursements and transferred GH¢13.8 million from the project’s account, leaving contractors unpaid.

Mr Barimah further claimed that a US$7 million flood early warning system procured several years ago has not been activated, while encroachment on drainage buffer zones in Accra continues without enforcement.

He argued that resources should be directed towards preventive infrastructure rather than emergency interventions after disasters occur.

The former lawmaker concluded that Ghana needs sustained investment in flood prevention, activation of the early warning system and strict enforcement of drainage buffer regulations before future floods occur.