At least three people have died after torrential rains triggered widespread flooding across Accra, Ghana’s capital, leaving major roads submerged, stranding commuters and disrupting businesses and public services.
The heavy downpour, which lasted for several hours, inundated several communities, including parts of East Legon, Adenta, Kaneshie, Weija, Tema and the Central Business District. Floodwaters swept through homes and vehicles, forcing many residents to seek higher ground while emergency responders carried out rescue operations.
Authorities confirmed that three people lost their lives in separate flood-related incidents. Emergency services continued search and rescue efforts while assessing the extent of the damage caused by the floods.
The flooding brought traffic to a standstill across large parts of the city as vehicles became trapped on waterlogged roads. Several schools, offices and businesses were forced to suspend operations, while power supply was disrupted in some affected areas.
Speaking after touring some of the flood-hit communities, Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama attributed the worsening flooding to the effects of climate change, saying increasingly intense rainfall events have exposed the country’s vulnerability to extreme weather. He stressed the need for long-term investments in drainage infrastructure, urban planning and climate adaptation measures to reduce the impact of future flooding.
The Ghana Meteorological Agency warned that more rainfall is expected in the coming days and urged residents living in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant and follow safety advisories issued by the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO).
Accra has experienced recurring floods during the rainy season, with experts attributing the problem to inadequate drainage systems, unregulated urban development, poor waste disposal and the growing impact of climate change. Authorities have reiterated calls for residents to avoid building on waterways and to refrain from dumping refuse into drains, practices that contribute significantly to flooding across the city.
