Flood-prone areas in Accra identified - Minister

Sheikh Ibrahim Codjoe Quaye, Greater Accra Regional Minister, on Thursday said flood-prone areas in Accra have been identified and work on them would start soon.

"It would cost government about 30 million dollars to construct new drains, dredge old ones and build bridges," he said, when the US Ambassador, Ms Nancy Powell paid a courtesy call on him in Accra.

Accra has had a perennial flooding problem, which stems from the low-lying nature of the city, haphazard development of buildings and poor environmental practices.

Developers build in waterways, and residents throw refuse in drains and streams. Dozens of people have died and property running into billions of cedis, has been lost during floods.

The Regional Minister called for assistance in the fight against malaria saying that it costs government millions of cedis in treatment and lost working hours.

Sheikh Quaye condemned last month's terrorist attack on New York and Washington describing it as a cowardly act.

"I'm glad that the world is not linking the attacks with Islam," said Sheikh who is Muslim,

Ms Powell said it is important to get everyone to know that America is not fighting Islam but terrorism.

"We are fighting for freedom and all those who oppose justice and democracy would not stand in our way," she added.

She assured the minister of a good working relationship during her duty tour.