The government has appointed Brigadier General Forster Okae-Yeboah, Director General of Joint Operations of the Ghana Armed Forces, to lead what it describes as an uncompromising nationwide flood mitigation exercise following the recent devastating floods that claimed lives and destroyed property across several parts of the country.

Government Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu announced the appointment in a Facebook post on Thursday, saying the military officer had been tasked to spearhead a robust, action-oriented operation aimed at protecting communities from further flooding.

According to Mr Kwakye Ofosu, Brig. Gen. Okae-Yeboah will head an intensive intervention intended to strengthen the country’s response to recurring floods, particularly after torrential rains inundated many parts of the Greater Accra Region and other affected areas earlier this week.

“Meet Brigadier General Forster Okae-Yeboah, Director General, Joint Operations, Ghana Armed Forces. He has been tapped to lead an uncompromising, robust, and all-action Flood Mitigation Exercise,” the Government Spokesperson stated.

He disclosed that the military officer would address the nation at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, during which he is expected to outline the operational strategy and measures being implemented to minimise flood risks.

“At 11am tomorrow morning, he will address the public on the operations of his team and steps being taken to decisively protect Ghanaians from further flooding,” Mr Kwakye Ofosu added.

The announcement comes as government intensifies efforts to respond to the aftermath of Monday’s heavy rains, which left extensive destruction in several communities, displaced hundreds of residents and claimed at least a dozen lives.

The floods submerged homes, businesses and major roads across parts of Accra, disrupting economic activity and prompting emergency rescue operations by the Ghana Armed Forces, the Ghana National Fire Service, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), the Ghana Police Service and other state agencies.

The disaster has also heightened public health concerns, with health experts warning of the increased risk of outbreaks of cholera, typhoid fever and other waterborne diseases due to stagnant floodwaters, damaged sanitation facilities and the accumulation of waste in affected communities.

President John Dramani Mahama, after conducting an aerial assessment of the flood situation, announced a series of immediate and long-term interventions, including the release of contingency funds for relief operations, intensified enforcement against structures obstructing waterways and plans to improve drainage infrastructure and decongest Accra.

The planned military-led flood mitigation exercise is expected to complement those interventions by coordinating emergency engineering works, clearing blocked drains and waterways, supporting rescue operations where necessary and helping reduce the risk of further flooding as the rainy season continues.