Accra Floods Kill 3 as President Blames Climate Change and Urbanisation
Last update: June 30, 2026
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Torrential rains have turned parts of Accra into rivers, leaving at least three people dead and thousands counting the cost.
At least three people have died after torrential rains triggered flooding across Accra on Monday, according to authorities and local media, cbinews.tv reports.
The downpour started at around 3:00 am and quickly overwhelmed parts of the capital. President John Mahama said the city saw 140 millimetres of rain in a single day “the highest experienced in several years” and nearly triple last year’s high.
He pointed to climate change, but also called out “the issue of human behaviour”. “Whenever government begins removing structures built in waterways, some people accuse us of being inhumane,” he said. “Yet when disasters such as today’s flooding occur, the consequences affect everyone.”
Flooding isn’t new in Ghana’s rainy season, but residents say it’s getting worse in Accra. Rapid urbanisation, building on waterways, and poor drainage have all made things harder.
In the eastern suburb of Tse Addo, emergency teams and local volunteers used boats to rescue at least 15 children and an infant after the area was swamped. In the low-lying Alajo district, local authorities said the body of a man in his 60s was recovered.
Floodwaters there also wrecked vehicles and homes. Journalists in the neighbourhood reported two more people were killed when rising water came into contact with electrical wiring in their homes.
The Ministry of the Interior has urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel. Police, military and firefighters have all been sent out to help with rescue operations.
The Greater Accra Metropolitan Area is home to more than five million people. Every rainy season, flooding disrupts transport, damages homes and businesses, and claims lives.
“Unfortunately, my house is flooded,” retired journalist Philip Mensah, 67, told newsmen. His “1970s collection of vinyl records is now underwater”. Patience Naa Adjeley Adjei said she spent hours trying to keep water out of her room.
The Ghana Meteorological Agency warned that rain-bearing clouds are expected to hang over southeastern Ghana before moving west later on Monday, which could mean more flooding.
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