Mahama proposes new city outside Accra after deadly floods expose capital's growing crisis

President John Mahama has announced plans to develop a new city outside Accra and relocate major government institutions there, describing the proposal as a long-term solution to the chronic flooding and rapid urbanisation that continue to threaten Ghana's capital.

The announcement came after the president conducted an aerial inspection of communities devastated by Monday's torrential rains, which killed at least nine people, displaced hundreds of residents and caused widespread damage to homes, businesses and public infrastructure across the Greater Accra Region.

Speaking after touring the affected areas, Mr Mahama said the latest disaster had reinforced the need for Ghana to look beyond short-term flood response measures and adopt a broader strategy to ease pressure on the capital.

"But ultimately, the other solution will be to decongest Accra," he said.

"That's why we're planning to move some of the city out – the major government departments – and create a new centre of growth so that people will begin building outside Accra instead of everyone looking for space in the capital."

The president said the proposed development would be delivered over the next two decades, with planners currently preparing a master plan for the new city.

Once completed, government intends to open land for residential, commercial and institutional development while providing roads, electricity and water infrastructure to encourage people and businesses to relocate.

"It's a 20-year project," Mr Mahama said.

"They are still working on the designs. Once they do that, we'll demarcate the land. People can start buying plots and building houses while government provides the necessary infrastructure to ease the pressure on Accra."

The proposal marks one of the most ambitious urban planning initiatives announced in Ghana in recent years and reflects growing concern over the capital's vulnerability to extreme weather.

Monday's floods submerged major roads and communities, including Circle, Alajo, Kaneshie, Adabraka, Achimota, Weija, Madina, Adenta, Lapaz and parts of Spintex, bringing transport and commercial activity to a standstill.

At the Circle transport terminal, commercial drivers and passengers climbed onto the roofs of buses to escape rising floodwaters, while emergency responders rescued residents trapped inside flooded homes and vehicles.

The disruption also affected educational institutions, with the University of Ghana suspending lectures and the Ghana School of Law postponing examinations because of hazardous travel conditions.

Urban planners have long warned that Accra's expanding population, unchecked construction, encroachment on waterways and inadequate drainage infrastructure have made flooding increasingly severe.

Successive governments have invested in drainage projects and flood mitigation measures, but heavy seasonal rains continue to expose weaknesses in the city's planning and infrastructure.

Government believes establishing a new administrative and economic hub outside the capital could help redistribute population growth, reduce congestion and create opportunities for housing and investment beyond the existing metropolitan area.

The proposal also forms part of wider efforts to improve urban planning and support more balanced national development.

While outlining the long-term vision, Mr Mahama said immediate attention remained focused on supporting communities affected by the floods.

Emergency agencies, including the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), the Ghana National Fire Service and the Ghana Police Service, continue rescue operations, damage assessments and relief distribution across flood-hit areas.

Authorities have urged residents to avoid flood-prone locations, follow official safety advice and cooperate with emergency responders as recovery efforts continue.

For many residents, however, the latest disaster has renewed calls for stronger enforcement against illegal building on waterways, expanded drainage infrastructure and sustained investment in urban planning to prevent similar tragedies in the future.