Ghana Districts: A repository of all Local Assemblies in Ghana

Feature Content
Feature Content

GENERAL

Accra Floods: President Mahama Orders Crackdown on Drainage Blockages, Announces Relief Funds After Aerial Inspection

At least twelve lives lost as record-breaking rainfall submerges Ghana's capital, displacing hundreds and paralyzing economic activities

Date Created : 6/30/2026 : Story Author : Dominic shirimori/Ghanadistricts.com

President John Dramani Mahama has ordered a coordinated crackdown on drainage blockages and announced emergency relief funding for victims of Monday's devastating floods in Accra, following an aerial inspection of affected areas.

The downpour, which began around 10:00 p.m. on Sunday and continued into Monday morning, triggered widespread flooding across parts of Accra and the Greater Accra Region, leaving major roads impassable, inundating homes, trapping residents, and disrupting economic and social activities.

Preliminary data indicates that approximately 140 millimetres of rain fell on Accra within a single day — nearly triple the highest single-day rainfall of about 56 millimetres recorded last year. The president described this as "among the highest experienced in several years".

Aerial inspection reveals scale of devastation

President Mahama, accompanied by key appointees including Works and Housing Minister Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, NADMO Director-General Dr Joseph Bikanyi Kuyon, and Deputy Chief of Staff Stan Dogbe, conducted the aerial inspection aboard a Ghana Armed Forces helicopter.

A video of the inspection showed a visibly concerned president observing homes, companies, lorry parks, and streets submerged under water across vast areas of Accra, including Circle and the Weija area. At some point, he was seen pointing out structures that, according to him, were obstructing floodwater pathways and would have to be removed.

"The damage has been extensive, and many families have been severely affected," President Mahama said.

Multiple factors behind the disaster

The president attributed the flooding to a combination of factors. Climate change has dramatically altered rainfall patterns — Accra recorded about 85 millimetres of rainfall in June 2024, rising to 172 millimetres in June 2025, and surging to approximately 333 millimetres in June 2026. "Out of the 30 days in June, rainfall occurred on about 22 days, leaving only seven or eight dry days," he noted.

However, the president emphasised that human factors were equally responsible. During the aerial inspection, officials observed several illegal dumping sites located within wetlands, where individuals had turned these areas into refuse disposal sites, charging tricycle operators to dump waste. Once filled with refuse, the same individuals sell the reclaimed land to unsuspecting people for housing development.

"Human behaviour of dumping garbage in drains needs to stop. We discovered from the air many illicit dumping sites," President Mahama stated.

He also pointed to the blocking of natural stream paths by buildings, noting that Accra lies between the Akwapim Mountain Range and the Atlantic Ocean, with natural waterways that have been increasingly obstructed by decades of unplanned urban development.

Government response: Immediate and long-term measures

The president announced that a National Security Council meeting would be convened urgently to coordinate a stronger response. Every Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assembly has been directed to identify all obstructions along major drainage channels within their jurisdictions for immediate removal.

"We'll not only break the houses. We have to move the rubble out of the way because there's no use breaking a house and leaving the rubble in the waterways," the president stressed.

He further directed the Minister of Finance to release funds from the Contingency Fund to support immediate post-flood relief efforts. NADMO has been tasked with identifying victims across affected communities and providing immediate support in the coming days.

Rescue operations save lives

The president commended the Ghana Armed Forces, NADMO, the Ghana Police Service, the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources, and the 48 Engineers Regiment for their emergency response.

"I have watched several videos showing rescue personnel carrying stranded residents to safety and deploying boats to save lives. Their dedication has undoubtedly prevented an even greater tragedy," President Mahama said.

The Ghana Armed Forces have deployed personnel to several flood-prone areas as part of Operation Boafo, led by the 48 Engineer Regiment under Lieutenant Colonel Frank Osei Amponsah. Troops have been stationed at strategic locations including Klagon, Tse Addo, and Dzowulu.

At least 105 people were rescued in Tse Addo alone in a joint operation involving NADMO, the Ghana Armed Forces, and the Marine Police. However, authorities have confirmed at least three fatalities, with reports indicating that two people died after rising waters came into contact with electrical wiring in their homes.

Long-term vision: A new city outside Accra

Beyond immediate interventions, President Mahama unveiled plans to develop a new city outside Accra as part of a 20-year strategy to decongest the capital.

"But ultimately, the other solution will be to decongest Accra," Mahama said. "That's why we're planning to move some of the major government departments out, and then also create a new centre of growth so that our people will start building outside Accra in a new city".

According to the president, experts are currently preparing the design and master plan for the project. Once completed, land will be allocated for residential, commercial, and institutional purposes, with government providing roads, electricity, and water infrastructure.

"That's a long-term solution. Like I said, it's a 20-year project," he stated.

Affected communities

The floods severely impacted numerous communities, including Circle, Alajo, Kaneshie, Adabraka, Achimota, Weija, Madina, Adenta, Lapaz, Shiashie, Tse Addo, and sections of Spintex. The Kasoa–SCC–Mallam highway was submerged, forcing motorists to abandon their vehicles.

The Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) temporarily shut down power supply from the Mallam and Achimota primary substations after severe flooding at critical infrastructure.

A call for change

President Mahama urged all Ghanaians to change their attitudes toward sanitation, waste disposal, and construction in flood-prone areas.

"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," he said.

Drawing on a parable, the president warned against complacency: "This time should be different," he said, calling for sustained action to end Accra's recurring flood crisis.

GENERAL

Accra Floods: President Mahama Orders Crackdown on Drainage Blockages, Announces Relief Funds After Aerial Inspection

Date Created : 6/30/2026 : Story Author : Dominic shirimori/Ghanadistricts.com

Other Stories