Government has intensified emergency response efforts following widespread flooding caused by days of heavy rainfall that submerged several communities in Accra, Tema, and surrounding areas.
In a press release issued on Monday, June 29, 2026, the Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, Hon. Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, assured affected residents that government remains committed to supporting relief, recovery, and reconstruction efforts in flood-hit communities.
The statement followed a tour of affected areas by President John Dramani Mahama, members of the Anti-Flood Task Force, and other government officials to assess the extent of destruction caused by the persistent downpour.
According to the Minister, the inspection exercise helped authorities to further validate the causes of flooding in affected areas and evaluate remedial measures being considered to address the recurring challenge.
“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 noted.
The Ministry expressed sympathy to individuals, families, traders, transport operators, and businesses affected by the floods, acknowledging the hardship and economic losses suffered by residents.
“To those who have suffered losses, we wish to assure you that government remains fully committed to supporting relief, recovery, and reconstruction efforts,” the Minister stated.
Government says the latest floods highlight the increasing pressure on drainage infrastructure due to rapid urbanisation, climate variability, and human activities such as encroachment on waterways, indiscriminate dumping of refuse, and non-compliance with planning regulations.
The Ministry stressed that sustainable flood management requires collective responsibility from public institutions, local authorities, traditional leaders, businesses, and citizens.
“Addressing this persistent challenge requires shared responsibility among public institutions, local authorities, traditional leaders, businesses, and all citizens,” the statement added.
As part of immediate interventions, the Ministry, through the Ghana Hydrological Authority, is collaborating with the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), and security agencies to provide emergency support in affected areas.
The emergency measures include the deployment of response teams, evacuation support for stranded residents, distribution of relief items to displaced persons, assessment of damaged infrastructure, and intensified drainage clearing operations in flood-prone communities.
The Ministry further revealed that enforcement exercises have already begun across the Greater Accra Region to remove illegal structures and obstructions built along drainage channels, waterways, wetlands, and other natural water retention areas.
Authorities say the enforcement operations will be intensified in the coming weeks as part of efforts to protect waterways and preserve natural drainage systems.
In addition, government plans to undertake extensive desilting and excavation works on major drains and waterways that have become heavily silted following the rains.
The Ministry explained that the desilting exercise will be complemented by the construction of new drainage channels aligned with natural water pathways to improve stormwater flow and reduce flooding risks.
Government is also advancing broader long-term measures, including the rehabilitation and expansion of drainage infrastructure, restoration of wetlands and lagoons, stricter development controls in flood-prone zones, and strengthening of early warning systems nationwide.
Meanwhile, residents living near rivers, lagoons, drains, and low-lying areas have been advised to remain vigilant and prioritise safety.
The Ministry urged the public to move to higher ground when necessary, avoid walking or driving through floodwaters, and keep children away from flooded areas to prevent accidents and waterborne diseases.
Government also appealed to citizens to support ongoing efforts by refraining from dumping waste into drains, avoiding construction on waterways, and complying with environmental and planning regulations.
The Minister reaffirmed government’s commitment to addressing both the immediate impacts and underlying causes of flooding while promoting long-term resilience through improved urban planning and stricter enforcement of 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,” the statement maintained.
