By Abigail David
At least three people have died after torrential rainfall triggered severe flooding across Ghana’s capital, Accra, on Monday, with President John Mahama attributing the disaster to climate change and uncontrolled urban development.
Authorities said about 140 millimetres of rain fell within a day, the highest recorded in several years and nearly three times last year’s peak rainfall, overwhelming drainage systems and inundating several communities.
In the eastern suburb of Tse Addo, emergency responders and volunteers rescued at least 15 children and an infant using boats after floodwaters submerged homes. In the Alajo district, officials recovered the body of a man in his 60s, while local reports said two other residents were electrocuted after rising floodwaters came into contact with electrical wiring.
President Mahama said changing climatic conditions had intensified rainfall but also blamed human activities, including the construction of buildings on waterways, for worsening the impact of flooding. He urged residents to support government efforts to remove illegal structures obstructing drainage channels.
The Ministry of the Interior advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel as police, military personnel and firefighters continued rescue operations across affected areas.
Residents described widespread destruction, with homes, vehicles and businesses damaged. Some said they had spent hours trying to keep floodwaters out of their homes, while others reported significant property losses.
The Ghana Meteorological Agency warned that rain-bearing clouds were expected to persist over southeastern parts of the country before spreading westward, increasing the risk of further flooding.
