At least 12 people have lost their lives after torrential rainfall caused severe flooding across Ghana, including the capital, Accra, while emergency teams continue rescue operations in affected areas. The Ghana National Fire Service said the victims included three women, eight men and one child, adding that the death toll could rise as rescue efforts continue.
Rescue workers have already saved more than 470 people from flooded neighbourhoods, while authorities remain on high alert for additional emergencies. The fire service said it will continue releasing updates as more information becomes available and as search operations reach communities still cut off by floodwaters.
President John Dramani Mahama said Accra received about 140 millimetres of rainfall, marking the highest level recorded in several years. For comparison, the city’s highest single-day rainfall during the previous year measured around 56 millimetres. He added that changing climate conditions contributed significantly to the unusually intense rainfall, making the situation difficult to control.
Meanwhile, Accra continues to face recurring floods during the rainy season because of poor drainage systems, illegal construction on waterways and weak urban planning. These long-standing challenges have repeatedly increased the damage caused by heavy rainfall, leaving thousands of residents vulnerable whenever severe weather strikes the city.
In response, the government announced the release of 300 million cedis, equivalent to about $27 million, for emergency flood relief and recovery efforts. President Mahama also ordered the deployment of Ghana Armed Forces and police personnel to assist the National Disaster Management Organisation and other emergency services. Meanwhile, neighbouring Ivory Coast has also experienced severe flooding, with local sources indicating that around 20 people may have died despite the absence of an official death toll.