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The death toll from the devastating floods that swept through Accra and parts of southern Ghana following hours of torrential rainfall has risen to nine, according to the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), as rescue teams continue search operations amid fears the number of casualties could increase.
The floods, triggered by an intense downpour on Monday, inundated major roads, homes, businesses and public institutions across the Greater Accra Region, leaving thousands stranded and causing extensive damage to property and infrastructure.
The Ghana National Fire Service said it had rescued hundreds of people trapped by rapidly rising floodwaters in some of the worst-hit communities, including Alajo, Kaneshie, Circle, Adabraka, Madina, Spintex Road, Avenor and parts of Tema. Emergency personnel worked throughout the night to evacuate residents from submerged homes and vehicles.
Beyond the loss of lives, the floods destroyed household property, submerged hundreds of vehicles, damaged shops and warehouses, washed away personal belongings, and forced many families to abandon their homes. Traders in commercial hubs such as Alajo and Avenor reported losing large quantities of merchandise after floodwaters swept through their shops, disrupting business activities and threatening livelihoods.
Transportation across the capital was severely disrupted as major roads became impassable. Floodwaters overwhelmed sections of the N1 Highway and several arterial roads, leaving motorists stranded for hours while public transport services were interrupted. Schools and public institutions were also affected, with some suspending academic activities due to safety concerns.
In response to the disaster, President John Dramani Mahama directed the immediate release of GH¢300 million from the national Contingency Fund to finance emergency relief operations and longer-term flood mitigation measures. The President also tasked the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) to identify affected households and coordinate the distribution of emergency assistance, including temporary shelter, food and essential relief items.
Interior Minister Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka defended the government’s emergency response, stating that senior officials, including the President, monitored rescue operations throughout the night as emergency agencies battled to save lives.
The disaster has once again renewed concerns over Accra’s perennial flooding challenge, with experts attributing the recurring crisis to poor drainage systems, indiscriminate construction on waterways and wetlands, choked drains filled with solid waste, rapid urbanisation and weak enforcement of planning regulations. Weather authorities had earlier warned of the possibility of flash floods across coastal Ghana ahead of the storm.
Emergency officials have urged residents in flood-prone communities to remain vigilant, avoid driving or walking through floodwaters and heed official weather and evacuation advisories as more rainfall is expected during the ongoing rainy season. Rescue operations and damage assessments remain underway.
