Floods Kill 13 In Ghana’s Capital As Authorities Warn Of More Heavy Rain

At least 13 people have died after torrential rainfall triggered severe flooding across Ghana’s capital, Accra, with authorities warning that the death toll could rise as rescue and recovery efforts continue.

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) said emergency teams have rescued more than 470 people from flooded communities, while police, military personnel and disaster management officials remain deployed across affected areas.

The government has urged residents to stay indoors if they are in safe locations or move to higher ground as forecasters warn that another major storm is expected to hit southern Ghana, increasing the risk of further flooding.

Large parts of Accra were inundated after unusually heavy rainfall, with homes, businesses and vehicles submerged in floodwater. Low-lying communities suffered the worst damage, while several buildings were destroyed.

The flooding also sparked a major fire at a rubber factory, adding to the challenges facing emergency responders.

President John Dramani Mahama said preliminary data showed that approximately 140 millimetres of rain fell over Accra during the storm—more than double the city’s highest single-day rainfall recorded last year. He said the increasing intensity of such weather events highlights the growing impact of climate change.

The Ghana Meteorological Agency has warned that more rain is expected across southern parts of the country, advising residents to avoid flooded roads, stay away from loose electrical wires and refrain from sheltering beneath trees during storms.

As a safety precaution, the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) temporarily cut power to several flood-hit areas after rising water damaged electricity infrastructure and created safety risks for workers and residents.

Authorities say flooding in Accra is worsened by inadequate drainage systems, blocked gutters and illegal construction on waterways, which restrict the natural flow of water during heavy rains.

Following an aerial inspection of the city, President Mahama ordered the demolition of illegal structures built on waterways, saying they have placed entire communities at greater risk during extreme weather.

The disaster has revived memories of the devastating 2015 floods in Accra, when flooding triggered an explosion at a fuel station that killed about 150 people.

Climate and water experts say the latest disaster underscores the need for improved urban planning, stronger drainage infrastructure and better disaster preparedness as climate change contributes to increasingly frequent and intense rainfall across the region.