Several commuters have been left stranded following Wednesday evening's downpour in Accra on June 3. The incident has disrupted traffic flow as a result of flooding from the rain. Commuters using routes from Ashaiman to neighbouring communities including Sakumono, Kaneshe, and Adjei Kojo have been left stranded for hours as floodwaters submerged key sections of the road.

Accra has been plagued by recurring flood incidents during periods of rainfall over the past several years.

Last year, some parts of the country's capital, Accra, were flooded following a four-hour heavy rainfall on Sunday, May 18.

The downpour disrupted traffic and daily activities. Weija, Kaneshie, Adabraka, Tema, and Adentan-Dodowa are a few of the areas that have been affected.

Over the years, the country has been battling severe flooding whenever there are heavy rains, particularly in Accra.

According to NADMO, the canker results from poor hygiene practices and poor drainage infrastructure.

“Most of the problems we have observed are that there is a lack of drainage in some communities, some of the areas are filled with filth…In some of the areas, we also have engineering defects,” he explained.

Gov't's move to end perennial flooding

President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his commitment to tackling Ghana’s persistent flooding challenges by ordering the demolition of illegally constructed buildings blocking waterways.

Speaking at the 2025 National Eid-ul-Fitr celebration at Black Star Square, he blamed the increasing flood disasters on poor urban planning and unauthorized developments in wetlands, waterways, and Ramsar sites.

The President made it clear that his administration would take drastic action against encroachers, stressing that all structures obstructing natural drainage systems would be removed to prevent further destruction.

Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, Hon. Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, has also revealed that approximately six billion dollars would be required to implement a comprehensive national flood control programme.

He cited both natural and human-induced factors as contributing causes to flooding.

In his address, the minister described flooding as one of Ghana’s most persistent and destructive hazards, often resulting in the loss of lives, displacement of families, damaged infrastructure, and broader economic disruption.

He pointed to several regions that have been hit by recent floods, including Greater Accra, Ashanti, Western, Northern, and Volta. “The floods were triggered by intense rainfall, in some cases exceeding historical averages,” he said.

As part of the government’s immediate response, the minister said the Ministry is focused on improving drainage systems and strengthening community preparedness.

He also announced that the ministry is working with private sector partners to implement green and nature-based solutions, including wetland protection, afforestation, rainwater harvesting, and the use of permeable pavements. Pilot projects are being initiated in selected river catchments to serve as models for future interventions.

He highlighted the ongoing Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) project, which is supported by the World Bank. The project aims to reduce flood risk and improve solid waste management in the Odaw Basin and surrounding communities.

He, however, called for the support of Parliament, stakeholders, and the general public in building sustainable and inclusive infrastructure while protecting the environment.

Member of Parliament for Ahafo Ano North and former Director General of the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), Hon. Eric Nana Agyemang-Prempeh, urged government to release funds to enable the dredging of flood-prone areas.

He also called for action on the ongoing tidal wave challenges affecting parts of the Volta Region.

Member of Parliament for Builsa North, Hon. James Agalga, added that the Ministry of Finance should expedite the release of funds to NADMO to support its response efforts.

Several downpour incidents in the country so far this year have led to the destruction of lives and property—as encountered in previous years.

Flooding that was caused by a downpour on Sunday, May 18, claimed the lives of five individuals.

Many citizens believe that the successive governments have paid lip service to addressing the canker.

But the incumbent has insisted that it will work to address the challenges associated with flooding.