**Heavy Rainfall Causes Devastating Floods in Ghana and Ivory Coast**
*Accra, Ghana — June 30, 2026* — A series of torrential rainfalls have resulted in catastrophic flooding and landslides across the capital cities of Ghana and the Ivory Coast, leading to the deaths of at least 32 individuals and prompting widespread rescue operations.
In Ghana, the National Fire Service confirmed that at least 12 people lost their lives as a result of the severe weather conditions that began on June 28. Alex King Nartey, a spokesperson for the service, indicated that the death toll could rise as several individuals remain unaccounted for. “The number could increase because several people are still missing,” Nartey stated.
The heavy rains inundated homes and roads in Accra, prompting emergency calls from residents as floodwaters breached their properties. “The whole place was flooded. It’s alarming,” remarked Mariam Dongyela Millah, deputy director of communications at Ghana’s National Disaster Management Organisation. In response to the crisis, rescue teams worked tirelessly throughout the night, successfully saving over 400 individuals from the rising waters, according to Greater Accra Regional Fire Commander Rashid Kwame Nisawu.
The situation in the Ivory Coast is similarly dire, with reports indicating that at least 20 people have died due to the flooding that began on June 27. Although official figures from the government have yet to be released, sources close to the firefighting services and the interior ministry have confirmed the casualties.
Ghanaian Interior Minister Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak acknowledged the government's shortcomings in addressing the disaster, especially in light of criticism from the opposition party, the New Patriotic Party. “We are really very sorry for the loss of life,” he said during a television interview, emphasizing the need for improved disaster response measures.
President John Mahama provided insight into the severity of the rainfall, noting that approximately 140 millimeters fell on Accra, a stark increase compared to the highest single-day rainfall of 56 millimeters recorded the previous year. He attributed part of the crisis to changing climatic conditions and acknowledged the impact of human activities, particularly illegal structures obstructing waterways. The president vowed to take action against such practices while urging residents to prepare for additional rainfall in the coming days.
As rescue operations continue, the Ghana Meteorological Agency has warned that further rain is expected, raising concerns about the potential for additional flooding and landslides. Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
The devastating impact of the floods has highlighted the urgent need for improved urban planning and disaster preparedness in both Ghana and the Ivory Coast, as communities grapple with the increasing frequency of extreme weather events linked to climate change.