Step up hygiene protocols - PSGH urges public after Accra floods

The Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH) has called on Ghanaians to remain vigilant and adopt strict health precautions following the devastating floods that swept through parts of the Greater Accra, Central and Volta regions after Monday's June 29, 2026, heavy rains.

The society warned that floodwaters could trigger outbreaks of waterborne and vector-borne diseases if the public and health authorities do not take immediate preventive measures.

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In a press statement issued on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, the PSGH expressed sympathy to families who lost loved ones and those whose homes, businesses and livelihoods were destroyed by the floods.

"We are particularly saddened by the reported loss of lives and convey our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. We also empathise with all those who have suffered injuries, displacement, destruction of homes and businesses, and the loss of valuable property," the statement said.

The society assured affected communities that pharmacists across the country remain committed to ensuring uninterrupted access to essential medicines and pharmaceutical care during the recovery period.

According to the PSGH, the aftermath of flooding often creates conditions that increase the spread of diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever, hepatitis A, diarrhoeal illnesses, malaria and skin infections due to contaminated water, poor sanitation and disruptions in healthcare services.

It therefore urged pharmacists, particularly those in affected communities, to continue serving as frontline healthcare providers by offering first aid, counselling residents on disease prevention, promoting proper hygiene practices and ensuring the availability of essential medicines and health commodities.

"The PSGH calls on all pharmacists, community pharmacies, hospital pharmacies, and other pharmaceutical service providers... to continue serving as accessible frontline healthcare professionals," it stated.

The society also appealed to pharmacists to pay special attention to vulnerable groups, including children, pregnant women, older persons and people living with chronic illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes, asthma and epilepsy, whose access to medication may have been disrupted by the floods.

It further advised residents whose medicines had been soaked or damaged by floodwater not to use them without first consulting a pharmacist or healthcare provider.

For the general public, the PSGH recommended drinking only safe water, practising regular handwashing with soap, avoiding food exposed to floodwater, discarding medicines submerged during the floods, staying away from stagnant water and seeking immediate medical attention if symptoms such as severe diarrhoea, vomiting, fever or dehydration develop.

Beyond the immediate health response, the society stressed that preventing future flooding requires both government intervention and responsible behaviour from citizens.

"Preventing flooding is not solely the responsibility of government; it is a shared civic duty that demands responsible environmental stewardship from every member of society," the statement emphasised.

The PSGH urged Ghanaians to stop dumping refuse into drains and water bodies, actively participate in community clean-up exercises, keep gutters free from obstruction, and report blocked drainage systems to the relevant authorities.

The society also commended emergency responders, healthcare workers, pharmacists, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), security agencies, volunteers and community leaders for their efforts in supporting flood victims despite difficult conditions.

"As our nation recovers from this unfortunate event, let us remember that resilience is built through preparedness, compassion, and collective action," the PSGH said, urging Ghanaians to support affected families and observe recommended public health measures.

NA/VPO