The Ministry of Finance has released GH¢350 million from the Contingency Fund to the National Disaster Management Committee to support emergency relief efforts and flood mitigation works following recent flooding in parts of the country.

The disbursement follows a directive from President John Dramani Mahama to the Minister for Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, to mobilise resources to support affected communities and strengthen measures aimed at reducing the impact of future flooding.

The ministry stated that the withdrawal was carried out in line with Article 177 of the 1992 Constitution, following approval by Parliament through its Finance Committee.

After parliamentary approval, the minister instructed the Controller and Accountant-General to transfer the funds to the National Disaster Management Committee for the implementation of the National Emergency Flood Response Programme.

According to the ministry, a dedicated account was subsequently opened for the Committee at the Bank of Ghana, into which the full GH¢350 million was paid.

Of the total amount, GH¢200 million has been allocated to immediate relief for affected persons and communities, while GH¢150 million will go towards flood mitigation interventions intended to reduce future risks and impacts.

The ministry said the release of funds gives effect to President Mahama’s directive for a swift government response, providing both immediate assistance and longer-term measures to improve national resilience to flooding.