Former Greater Accra Regional Minister Henry Quartey has blamed the resurgence of flooding in parts of Accra on the return of onion traders to Agbogbloshie after enforcement of their relocation was relaxed.
In a statement on Monday, June 29, 2026, Quartey said the corridor stretching through Airport Residential, Dzorwulu, Alajo, the Odaw River basin, and areas including Awudome, State Transport, Rana Motors and Pepsi Cola saw a “remarkable reduction in flooding” following the relocation of traders to Adjen Kotoku and Dominase.
Quartey, who led the exercise as Regional Minister and Chairman of REGSEC with backing from Jubilee House under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, said the move was part of a strategy to restore order, protect waterways, improve drainage and mitigate perennial flooding.
“The positive impact of this intervention was evident. Communities that had historically suffered severe flooding experienced a significant reduction in flood incidents,” he wrote.
He added that after the change in government, enforcement was relaxed and traders gradually returned to Agbogbloshie.
“In my considered view, political considerations influenced that decision. Unfortunately, the consequences have become increasingly apparent,” Quartey stated.
The former minister said flooding should be treated as a national security issue, citing loss of lives, destruction of property, displacement, economic disruption and public health risks.
He called for bold leadership, strict enforcement of planning laws, protection of waterways and floodplains, removal of structures blocking drains, and relocation of activities that impede stormwater flow.
“If we are genuinely committed to safeguarding lives, protecting property, and building resilient communities, we must be prepared to make difficult but necessary decisions in the overriding national interest, irrespective of political considerations,” he said.
Quartey said he made similar observations in media interviews during his tenure and urged the media to revisit them for context.
