The Eastern Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has ordered the immediate deployment of seized galamsey excavators for emergency dredging and desilting works in the New Juaben North and South Municipalities, following severe flooding caused by a heavy downpour in Koforidua.
The four-hour rainfall submerged several homes and shops in areas including Nsukwao, Asokore, and Zongo. Critical institutions such as the Eastern Regional Office of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the main road to the Eastern Regional National Fire Service Command were also affected.
Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Awatey, who toured the hardest-hit communities with officials from NADMO and Urban Roads, announced urgent steps to mitigate further disaster.
She directed the immediate use of seized galamsey excavators for clearing choked drains.
“The REGSEC in the Western Region has seized some excavators from our illegal miners. We are going to look around to get fuel so that, immediately…we start dredging the choked waterways.”
Assemblyman for the Ada Magazine Electoral Area, Freeman Kojo Gaan, revealed that between 50 and 100 homes were affected in his jurisdiction and commended the minister’s prompt action.
“…About 50 or 100 houses have been destroyed, and I am very happy about the minister’s move, and this is the type of productive leadership that we all want.”
