The Government has stepped up emergency response measures following widespread flooding caused by days of heavy rainfall across Accra, Tema and surrounding communities, while calling on the public to cooperate with efforts to reduce the impact of the disaster.
In a press release issued on Monday, June 29, the Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, said he joined President John Dramani Mahama and members of the Anti-Flood Task Force on a tour of flood-affected areas to assess the extent of the damage and evaluate immediate and long-term solutions.
According to the Minister, the inspection confirmed the causes of flooding in the affected communities and helped the government assess remedial interventions.
“This afternoon, June 29, I accompanied the President of the Republic, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, and other members of the Anti-Flood Task Force on a tour of the affected areas from the long hours of rainfall into the afternoon of today, 29 June 2026,” he stated.
Mr Adjei noted that sustained rainfall since June 27 had inundated homes, businesses and public infrastructure, particularly in low-lying communities, disrupting economic and social activities.
“Since 27th June 2026, Accra, Tema and surrounding areas have experienced sustained heavy rains, leading to widespread flooding that has affected homes, businesses, and public infrastructure, particularly in low-lying areas, and disrupted economic and social activities,” the statement said.
The Minister expressed the government’s sympathy to individuals, families and businesses affected by the floods, assuring victims of its commitment to supporting relief, recovery and reconstruction efforts.
“We fully appreciate the pain, disruption, and economic hardship that these events will impose on households, traders, transport operators, and businesses. To those who have suffered losses, we wish to assure you that Government remains fully committed to supporting relief, recovery, and reconstruction efforts,” he said.
Mr Adjei attributed the recurring floods to a combination of extreme weather conditions, rapid urbanisation and pressure on drainage infrastructure, as well as human activities including encroachment on waterways, indiscriminate waste disposal and violations of planning regulations.
“The current situation once again highlights the growing challenges posed by extreme weather patterns, rapid urbanisation, and increasing pressure on drainage infrastructure. While climate variability continues to intensify rainfall events, the impact of human activities, particularly encroachment on waterways, indiscriminate waste disposal, and non-compliance with planning regulations, cannot be overstated,” he noted.
He stressed that addressing the perennial flooding challenge requires the collective efforts of government institutions, local authorities, traditional leaders, businesses and the general public.
“Addressing this persistent challenge requires shared responsibility among public institutions, local authorities, traditional leaders, businesses, and all citizens,” the Minister added.
As part of the emergency response, Mr Adjei said the Ministry, through the Ghana Hydrological Authority, is working with the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), security agencies and other stakeholders.
The interventions include the deployment of emergency response teams, evacuation support where necessary, distribution of relief items to displaced persons, assessment of damaged infrastructure and intensified drainage clearing operations in critical flood-prone communities.
He also disclosed that the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council and MMDAs have, in recent weeks, undertaken enforcement exercises to remove illegal structures and obstructions along drainage channels, waterways, wetlands and other natural water retention areas.
According to the Minister, government will sustain the enforcement operations while undertaking extensive desilting and excavation of major drains and constructing new drainage channels along natural watercourses to improve stormwater flow.
Beyond the immediate response, Mr Adjei said government is advancing broader flood mitigation measures, including expanding and rehabilitating drainage infrastructure, enforcing development controls in floodplains, strengthening early warning systems and restoring wetlands, lagoons and other natural water detention areas.
He urged residents, particularly those living near rivers, lagoons, drains and other low-lying areas, to prioritise their safety.
“Residents are advised to move to higher ground when necessary, avoid walking or driving through floodwaters, and ensure children are kept away from flooded areas to prevent accidents and exposure to waterborne diseases,” he advised.
The Minister further appealed to the public to support the government’s efforts by observing environmental regulations.
“We call on all citizens to support these efforts by refraining from dumping waste into drains, avoiding construction on waterways, and complying fully with environmental and planning regulations,” he said.
Mr Adjei reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackling both the immediate effects and underlying causes of flooding through improved drainage infrastructure, better urban planning and stricter enforcement of existing regulations.
“Together, through collective responsibility, discipline, and adherence to safety measures, we can significantly reduce the effects of flooding, safeguard lives and livelihoods, and build safer, more resilient communities for present and future generations,” he added.
