Government Intensifies Flood Response, Urges Public Cooperation Amid Heavy Rains

Edited by: Solomon Kwabena Nana-Ansah – Paaps – 

Accra, June 29, 2026 – The Government of Ghana has intensified its response to the widespread flooding that has affected parts of Accra, Tema and surrounding communities following days of heavy rainfall, while urging the public to support efforts aimed at reducing the impact of future floods.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, Hon. Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, said he joined President John Dramani Mahama and members of the Anti-Flood Task Force on an inspection tour of flood-hit communities to assess the extent of the damage and evaluate ongoing intervention measures.

The Minister noted that persistent rainfall since June 27 has caused extensive flooding, affecting homes, businesses and public infrastructure, particularly in low-lying areas, while disrupting economic and social activities.

He expressed the Government’s sympathy to individuals, families and businesses affected by the disaster, assuring victims of continued support through relief, recovery and reconstruction initiatives.

According to the Ministry, the flooding has been driven by a combination of extreme weather conditions, rapid urbanisation, increasing pressure on drainage infrastructure, encroachment on waterways, indiscriminate waste disposal and non-compliance with planning regulations.

To address the emergency, the Ministry, through the Ghana Hydrological Authority, is collaborating with the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), the security services and other stakeholders.

Current interventions include the deployment of emergency response teams, evacuation assistance where necessary, the distribution of relief items to displaced residents, assessments of damaged infrastructure and intensified drainage clearing in flood-prone communities.

The statement added that recent enforcement exercises have focused on removing illegal structures and obstructions along drainage channels, waterways and wetlands. These operations are expected to continue alongside extensive desilting, excavation of blocked drains and the construction of new drainage channels to improve stormwater flow.

Government also announced broader long-term measures, including the expansion and rehabilitation of drainage infrastructure, stricter enforcement of development controls in flood-prone areas, improved early warning systems and the restoration of wetlands and natural water retention areas.

The Ministry advised residents living near rivers, lagoons, drains and other low-lying areas to remain vigilant, relocate to safer ground where necessary, avoid driving or walking through floodwaters and keep children away from flooded areas.

It further appealed to the public to support flood prevention efforts by refraining from dumping refuse into drains, avoiding construction on waterways and complying with environmental and planning regulations.

The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to working with all stakeholders to address both the immediate effects and the underlying causes of flooding while strengthening Ghana’s resilience through improved drainage systems, better urban planning and effective enforcement of existing laws.