Three killed as floods paralyze Ghana capital

Torrential rains unleashed widespread flooding across Ghana's capital, Accra, on Monday, resulting in the deaths of at least three people. President John Mahama pointed to climate change and rampant urbanization as the primary drivers of the disaster, highlighting that the city experienced 140 millimeters of rain in a single day, a level not seen in years and nearly triple last year's peak.

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That aspect of the problem is beyond our control because it is driven by changing climatic conditions

While acknowledging the role of changing climatic conditions, which he described as beyond the government's control, Mahama also criticized "human behavior." He warned that attempts to remove structures built in waterways often draw public criticism, yet the consequences of such disasters affect everyone. Flooding during Ghana's rainy season is a recurring issue, but residents report that inundations in Accra have worsened recently due to rapid urban development, the obstruction of waterways, and inadequate investment in drainage systems.

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Whenever government begins removing structures built in waterways, some people accuse us of being inhumane. Yet when disasters such as today’s flooding occur, the consequences affect everyone.

In the eastern suburb of Tse Addo, rescue operations were underway, with emergency responders and volunteers using boats to save at least 15 children and an infant from flooded homes. Meanwhile, in the low-lying Alajo district, floodwaters damaged properties and vehicles, and the body of a man in his 60s was recovered. Reports from journalists in the neighborhood indicated two additional fatalities resulting from electrocution due to rising waters coming into contact with electrical wiring within homes.

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Unfortunately my house is flooded. My 1970s collection of vinyl records is now underwater

The Ministry of the Interior has urged residents to avoid non-essential travel as police, military, and firefighters work to assist those affected. The greater Accra metropolitan area, home to over five million people, frequently experiences disruptions to transportation, damage to businesses and homes, and loss of life during periods of heavy rainfall. Retired journalist Philip Mensah, 67, lamented the loss of his vinyl record collection to the floodwaters, while teacher Patience Naa Adjeley Adjei described spending hours trying to keep water out of her flooded room.

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I have mopped my room more than eight times. I can’t even step out because my room is flooded, and outside is flooded.