Accra: Torrential rainfall on Monday inundated large parts of Accra, paralysing business activity, disrupting transport, forcing some schools to close, and leaving several communities without electricity as floodwaters submerged roads and homes across the capital. Among the worst-hit areas were Dzorwulu, Mallam, Weija, Shiashie, Teshie, Nungua, Kasoa, and others, while sections of major roads became impassable under fast-rising waters.
According to Ghana Web, even the stretch of road in front of Jubilee House - the seat of government - was overtaken by floodwaters, underlining the scale of the flooding that gripped the city after hours of heavy rainfall which began before dawn and continued into the morning. Videos and photographs circulating on social media, alongside situational reports from radio and television stations, showed vehicles stranded in floodwaters and commuters trapped as overwhelmed drainage systems spilt over, with blocked waterways diverting runoff into streets, homes, and commercial areas.
A fire outbreak was also reported to have occurred around Kwame Nkrumah Circle, a major transport hub of the city. Following the development, authorities urged residents to remain indoors as forecasts pointed to further rainfall later in the day. Interior Minister Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak advised through Joy FM that residents should stay home, emphasizing that a significant portion of the city is flooded.
He mentioned that the Ghana Navy has been deployed to support rescue efforts and encouraged those in distress to contact the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) through emergency lines. He also warned employers to exercise flexibility and warned that movement across the city remains dangerous.
The flooding also disrupted electricity supply in parts of the capital after floodwaters affected critical power infrastructure. In a joint statement, the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) and Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) announced a temporary shutdown of the Mallam and Achimota primary substations as a precautionary measure.
Residents in Mallam reported unprecedented flooding in their communities. Sandra Ayebi noted that the extent of flooding has surprised many as areas previously considered safe are now affected. She attributed the situation partly to poor drainage and waste disposal practices, and the area's natural slope.
The latest flooding episode is expected to renew concerns over Accra's drainage capacity, encroachment on waterways, and unplanned urban development, long identified as key drivers of the city's recurrent flood disasters. Recently, at the Environmental Sustainability Summit (ESS) in Accra, experts warned that flooding events in urban centers like Accra were likely to intensify without urgent investment in drainage infrastructure.
Finance expert Dr. Glenn Kwabena Gyimah proposed the creation of a National Climate Resilience and Climate Economy Infrastructure Facility by June 2027 to mobilize at least US$500 million for climate and urban infrastructure projects. He emphasized the need for a dedicated financing mechanism focused on flood control, waste management, and urban resilience.