President John Dramani Mahama has described the latest flooding in Accra as one of the most severe in recent years, citing a sharp rise in rainfall intensity and human activities that undermine the city’s drainage systems.
Speaking after touring affected communities, the President revealed that preliminary data from the Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) shows Accra recorded about 140 millimetres of rainfall within a single day — more than double last year’s highest single‑day figure of 56 millimetres. He said the surge highlights the growing risks posed by changing climatic conditions.
President Mahama expressed concern over the illegal conversion of wetlands, which naturally serve as water retention zones, into refuse dumping sites. He noted that some individuals are even charging tricycle operators to dispose of waste in these protected areas, a practice he described as destructive to the city’s drainage system.
While acknowledging the role of evolving rainfall patterns, the President stressed that engineering and behavioural challenges are worsening the crisis. Persistent dumping of refuse into drains, improper waste disposal, and the blockage of waterways with debris continue to reduce the efficiency of drainage channels, amplifying the impact of heavy rains.
He further observed that blocked drainage structures and unauthorized developments in waterways intensify flooding risks. Although government efforts to remove such structures are sometimes met with criticism, he said the consequences of these actions become evident during severe rainfall events.
“The actions of a few individuals who build or settle in restricted areas ultimately place entire communities at risk,” President Mahama stated, calling for collective responsibility to protect waterways as part of efforts to safeguard lives and property.
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