Els: MBN360 News
President John Dramani Mahama has pledged decisive action to tackle Accra’s perennial flooding after conducting an aerial inspection of communities devastated by Sunday’s heavy rainfall.
The President described the flooding as one of the worst the capital has experienced in recent years and assured Ghanaians that the government would implement both immediate and long-term measures to prevent a recurrence.
Record rainfall behind devastating floods
President Mahama revealed that preliminary data showed approximately 140 millimetres of rainfall fell over Accra in a single day, making it one of the highest rainfall events recorded in recent years.
“The amount of rainfall recorded today is among the highest experienced in several years,” he said.
He noted that the highest single-day rainfall recorded in 2025 was about 56 millimetres, making this year’s downpour significantly more intense.
According to him, data from the Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) shows that rainfall has increased steadily over the past three years.
Within a 30-day period in June 2024, Accra recorded about 85 millimetres of rainfall. That figure increased to 172 millimetres in June 2025 and nearly doubled again to about 333 millimetres in June 2026.
“This means our waterways no longer have sufficient time to recover before more rain falls,” the President explained.
Climate change increasing flood risk
President Mahama identified climate change as one of the major causes of the worsening floods.
He observed that rainfall has become more frequent and intense, with rain falling on about 22 of the 30 days in June this year, leaving very few dry days for drainage systems to recover.
“That aspect of the problem is beyond our control because it is driven by changing climatic conditions,” he stated.
Poor planning and illegal development worsening the situation
The President explained that Accra’s geographical location between the Akwapim Mountain Range and the Atlantic Ocean naturally makes it vulnerable to flooding.
He said rapid urbanisation has resulted in buildings obstructing natural waterways that previously carried stormwater into the sea.
“We therefore need engineering solutions that will reopen these waterways and allow floodwaters to flow freely into the Atlantic Ocean,” he said.
Indiscriminate waste disposal must stop
President Mahama blamed indiscriminate waste disposal and the destruction of wetlands for worsening the flooding situation.
He disclosed that, during the aerial inspection, the government observed several illegal refuse dumping sites within wetlands.
According to him, some individuals deliberately fill wetlands with refuse before reclaiming and selling the land for housing development.
“We must tackle this challenge from both an engineering and an enforcement perspective,” he stressed.
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Government to remove buildings blocking waterways
The President announced that the National Security Council would meet urgently to address the flooding crisis.
He said all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), working with the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources, would identify structures obstructing major drainage channels.
“These structures will be earmarked for removal,” he said.
“We will not only demolish the obstructing buildings but also clear away the rubble. There is no point demolishing a structure if the debris is left behind to continue obstructing the waterways.”
He acknowledged that previous demolition exercises had often attracted criticism but insisted the government would not relent because the safety of citizens must come first.
Long-term plan to decongest Accra
President Mahama said addressing Accra’s flooding challenge also requires reducing population pressure on the capital.
He disclosed that the government intends to relocate some major state institutions outside Accra while developing a new growth centre where people can live, work and invest.
The proposed city, expected to be developed over the next two decades, will be supported with roads, electricity, water and other essential infrastructure.
“We are currently working on the designs. Once they are completed, the land will be demarcated, and interested Ghanaians will be able to acquire plots and begin development,” he said.
Support for flood victims
President Mahama expressed his sympathies to families who lost loved ones and property during the floods.
“I wish to express my deepest sympathy to all those who have lost property as a result of today’s floods. The damage has been extensive, and many families have been severely affected.”
He commended the Ghana Armed Forces, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), the Ghana Police Service, the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources, emergency response teams and the 48 Engineer Regiment for their rescue efforts.
“I have watched several videos showing rescue personnel carrying stranded residents to safety and deploying boats to save lives. Their dedication has undoubtedly prevented an even greater tragedy.”
The President announced that he had directed NADMO to identify affected persons and provide immediate assistance, while the Minister for Finance had been instructed to release funds from the Contingency Fund to support relief efforts.
Call for national responsibility
President Mahama urged Ghanaians to adopt responsible sanitation practices and avoid building in flood-prone areas.
“We must find a permanent solution to the flooding challenge in Accra.”
He cautioned against complacency, saying Ghana must not behave like “the proverbial vulture that says it will repair its roof after the rains, only to forget about it once the weather clears.”
“This time, we must act differently. Together, we must ensure that lasting solutions are implemented so that this cycle of devastating floods does not continue year after year,” President Mahama said.
