Accra May 20, 2025 – Torrential rains over the weekend have once again left parts of the capital city underwater, claiming the lives of three people and forcing many more to abandon their homes. The flooding, which occurred on Sunday afternoon, overwhelmed communities from Adenta to Kaneshie, laying bare Accra’s persistent struggles with drainage, urban planning, and disaster preparedness.
Officials from the Adenta Municipal Assembly confirmed the deaths of two adults and a young girl in the areas of Lakeside, Nanakrom, and New Legon. These tragic incidents occurred as floodwaters surged through residential zones, leaving devastation in their wake.
Emergency responders from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and Ghana National Fire Service were dispatched to assist those trapped by rising waters, particularly in low-lying neighborhoods. Despite their efforts, widespread damage was reported, with homes inundated and roads rendered impassable.
Infrastructure Gaps and Human Impact
While seasonal rains are expected this time of year, experts say the severity of flooding is amplified by human activities particularly the unchecked construction of buildings on waterways and poor maintenance of drainage systems.
The Ghana Hydrological Authority has raised concerns about the growing number of unauthorized structures that block natural water paths, contributing significantly to the flooding. In addition, choked gutters and inadequate stormwater channels have left many parts of the city vulnerable even during moderate rainfall.
A spokesperson from the Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) warned that the worst may be yet to come, with heavier rains expected through June. Residents in high-risk areas are being advised to remain alert and, where necessary, relocate to safer ground.
Among those hardest hit are families living in informal settlements and flood-prone zones.
Calls for Urgent Solutions
The disaster has reignited calls for stricter enforcement of urban planning laws and more proactive flood control measures. Municipal officials, including Adenta MCE Ella Esiman Nongo, are urging residents to stop building in unauthorized areas and calling on government agencies to step up infrastructure investments.
“There must be a collective effort to prevent these tragedies,” Nongo said. “We can no longer afford to treat this as a seasonal inconvenience.”
Environmental groups are also calling for long-term strategies, including reforestation, improved waste management, and public education on the risks of blocking waterways.
As Accra braces for more rains, many residents fear this may only be the beginning of a difficult season. The question now is whether meaningful action will follow or if history will continue to repeat itself.
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By: Nzematoday TV
