The Ministry of Finance has released GH¢350 million from the Contingency Fund to support emergency flood relief efforts and help reduce the impact of future flooding in affected parts of the country.

The funds have been credited into dedicated National Disaster Management Organisation accounts following recent severe flooding that has displaced communities and caused damage in several areas.

The release follows a directive from President John Dramani Mahama to the Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, to mobilise resources urgently to support flood victims and strengthen national flood response measures.

Before the transfer was made, the Finance Minister secured parliamentary approval through the Finance Committee, in line with Article 177 of the 1992 Constitution, which governs withdrawals from the Contingency Fund.

After receiving approval, Dr. Forson authorised the Controller and Accountant-General to release the funds to the National Disaster Management Committee for the implementation of the National Emergency Flood Response Programme.

The Controller and Accountant-General has since opened a dedicated National Disaster Management Committee account at the Bank of Ghana, where the full GH¢350 million has now been deposited.

Out of the total amount, GH¢200 million has been allocated for immediate relief support for flood victims and affected communities. This will cover urgent response activities aimed at helping people who have lost property, shelter, livelihoods, or access to basic needs due to the floods.

The remaining GH¢150 million will be used for flood mitigation projects. These measures are expected to help reduce the frequency and severity of flooding, especially in high-risk communities that continue to suffer from recurring flood disasters.

The release of the funds marks a major step in the government’s response to the current flood emergency. It is also expected to support longer-term efforts to improve disaster preparedness and reduce the financial and social cost of flooding in the country.

For affected communities, the immediate focus will be on relief, recovery, and restoring basic support. However, the bigger test will be how effectively the mitigation funds are used to prevent future disasters and protect vulnerable areas before the next rainy season.