President John Dramani Mahama has issued a series of directives aimed at addressing the worsening impact of perennial flooding in Accra following a visit and a field tour of some affected communities.
In a press statement issued on June 30, 2026, he also renewed his call for a change in public attitude toward sanitation, waste disposal, and unauthorised development in flood-prone areas, stressing that sustainable urban management is essential to reducing future flood risks.
The president also made reference to data from the Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet), which shows a sharp and worrying increase in rainfall intensity in recent years.
He explained that in June 2024, Accra recorded 85mm of rainfall; this rose to 172mm in 2025 and has now surged to 333mm in 2026 for the same period.
“The data is clear, climate change is significantly increasing the volume of rainfall we receive annually,” President Mahama stated.
“However, we must also address the human and engineering factors. We cannot allow the blockage of natural streams that flow from the Akwapim Range to the Atlantic Ocean,” he added.
President Mahama, while expressing sympathy for families affected by the flooding, maintained that stronger enforcement measures are necessary to prevent recurring disasters.
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He noted that while government efforts to remove illegal structures often face criticism, the consequences of inaction are far more severe for the wider public.
Here are the directives
- An emergency meeting of the National Security Council to address the flooding as a matter of urgent national priority.
- Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to immediately collaborate with the Ministry of Water Resources, Works and Housing to identify and map all obstructions along major drainage channels.
- The demolition of buildings obstructing waterways, alongside the immediate clearance of debris and rubble to restore natural drainage paths.
- The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) to identify affected persons and provide comprehensive relief support over the coming days.
- The Minister of Finance to release funds from the Contingency Fund to support emergency relief efforts and urgent infrastructure repairs.
Heavy rainfall that began on June 28, 2026, and continued into the early hours of June 29, 2026, triggered widespread flooding across several parts of Accra, leaving major roads submerged, disrupting traffic flow, and affecting daily activities in multiple communities.
The prolonged downpour caused rapid water accumulation in low-lying areas, with floodwaters spilling onto key roads and residential neighbourhoods.
Commuters faced severe delays during the morning rush hour as several routes became impassable or difficult to navigate.
JKB/VPO
Watch President Mahama conduct aerial inspection of flood hit areas in Accra after heavy rains
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