**Deadly Floods Hit Ghana, Leaving At Least 12 Dead**
Accra, Ghana – Heavy rainfall has caused devastating floods in Ghana, leading to the confirmed deaths of at least 12 individuals, including a mother and her child. The floods, which struck the capital city of Accra and the nearby city of Tema on Monday, have submerged roads, homes, and buildings, severely disrupting daily life and cutting off access to several areas.
The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) reported that as of Tuesday, they had successfully rescued over 470 people from the floodwaters. Among the deceased are three women, eight men, and one child, with the tragic incident involving the mother and child occurring in the Achimota-Agbogbloshie district. GNFS spokesperson Alex King Nartey noted that emergency services faced challenges in reaching some affected areas and requested military assistance to aid ongoing rescue operations.
Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak provided further details, stating that approximately 7,761 households have been affected by the flooding, with at least seven individuals reported missing. The situation has been exacerbated by a fire that broke out at a rubber factory in Accra during the deluge, although firefighters have since managed to bring the blaze under control.
The floods have highlighted a recurring issue in Accra, where inadequate drainage systems, rapid urbanization, and illegal construction on waterways have intensified the impact of heavy rainfall. This recent disaster comes on the heels of another flooding event earlier this month, which coincided with the anniversary of the tragic June 3, 2015 flood and fire disaster that claimed over 150 lives near the Kwame Nkrumah Circle in Accra.
Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, who toured the affected areas on Tuesday, reported that the capital experienced around 140 millimeters of rain, marking one of the heaviest rainfall events in recent years. He emphasized the need for improved drainage systems and the removal of structures obstructing natural water flow, which have contributed to the severity of flooding in the region.
In response to the disaster, President Mahama announced the allocation of 300 million Ghanaian cedis (approximately $26.5 million) for flood relief and mitigation efforts. He also warned against illegal construction practices that exacerbate flooding risks.
The Ghana Meteorological Agency has issued a warning about an approaching rainstorm that is expected to bring further thunderstorms and rain to southern Ghana, including parts of the middle belt.
The flooding in Ghana is not an isolated incident, as neighboring Ivory Coast has also experienced deadly flooding due to heavy rainfall. Ivorian National Cohesion Minister Myss Belmonde Dogo reported that more than a dozen people have died in Abidjan, the country’s economic capital, as a result of similar weather conditions.
As the situation develops, authorities in Ghana continue to monitor the weather and coordinate rescue and relief efforts for those affected by the floods. The community remains vigilant as the threat of further rainfall looms, underscoring the urgent need for long-term solutions to address the underlying causes of flooding in urban areas.