Downpour triggers widespread flooding in Accra; residents cry for help

A downpour on Sunday afternoon has once again exposed the fragility of Accra and its surrounding municipalities to flooding, leaving parts of the city and Tema West submerged and commuters stranded.

The rain, which began around 3:00 p.m. and lasted nearly three hours, caused significant flooding in several neighbourhoods, including Weija, Kaneshie, Adabraka, Adentan-Dodowa, and parts of Tema.

The situation was particularly dire in the Adjei-Kojo Kanewu area in the Tema West Municipality, where residents say their homes have been inundated, disrupting daily activities and damaging property.

The residents of Adjei-Kojo Kanewu have expressed frustration over what they describe as the worsening of flooding conditions in recent times, which they blame on the construction activities of Letap Industries, a pharmaceutical company operating in the area.

According to the residents, the company has allegedly blocked the community’s main drainage systems, preventing the free flow of rainwater and leading to severe backflows into homes.

Speaking to Citi News, affected residents made an urgent appeal to the government and relevant authorities to investigate and address the issue.

“We can no longer go on like this. Anytime it rains, our homes are flooded. The drainage is blocked, and nothing is being done. We need immediate government intervention,” one resident lamented.

Elsewhere in Accra, roads became impassable due to floodwaters. Notably, the stretch from the Awudome Roundabout in the Okaikoi South Sub-Metro to the Awudome Cemetery and the Obetsebi Lamptey Interchange was completely submerged, with several vehicles breaking down along the way.

It took the timely intervention of local youth to assist in redirecting drivers and preventing accidents involving open drains and submerged potholes.

The situation disrupted traffic during peak hours, compounding the inconvenience for commuters and leaving many stranded for hours. Observers say the flooding highlights the urgent need for improved urban drainage infrastructure and better enforcement of building regulations.

Residents in affected areas have been advised to stay indoors and avoid contact with floodwaters, which may be contaminated and pose a serious risk of waterborne diseases.