The Ministry of Finance has released GH¢350 million from the Contingency Fund to finance emergency flood relief operations and mitigation measures following the devastating floods that have affected several parts of the country.
The funds have been transferred to the designated accounts of the National Disaster Management Committee (NDMC), marking a significant step in government’s response to the disaster.
The release follows a directive by President John Dramani Mahama instructing the Minister for Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, to mobilise resources from the Contingency Fund to provide immediate relief to flood victims while supporting measures to reduce the impact of future flooding.
In accordance with Article 177 of the 1992 Constitution, the Finance Minister first secured parliamentary approval through the Finance Committee for the withdrawal from the Contingency Fund before authorising the release of the money.
Following Parliament’s approval, Dr Forson directed the Controller and Accountant-General to transfer the approved amount to the National Disaster Management Committee to facilitate the implementation of the National Emergency Flood Response Programme.
In compliance with the directive, the Controller and Accountant-General established a dedicated account for the National Disaster Management Committee at the Bank of Ghana and transferred the full GH¢350 million into the account.
The Ministry said GH¢200 million of the allocation will be used to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to flood victims and affected communities, including the provision of relief items and other emergency interventions.
The remaining GH¢150 million has been earmarked for flood mitigation projects aimed at reducing the frequency and severity of flooding across vulnerable communities.
The transfer of the funds gives effect to President Mahama’s directive for an immediate and coordinated government response to the flood emergency, while also supporting long-term investments to strengthen the country’s resilience against future flood disasters.
The government has reiterated its commitment to providing timely support to affected communities and implementing sustainable measures to minimise the devastating effects of recurrent flooding.
