Accra floods again after Sunday night downpour

A downpour lasting nearly three hours Sunday afternoon has flooded several areas in Accra, triggering major disruptions across the capital.

The downpour, which began around 3:00 PM, has led to flooding in areas including Weija, Kaneshie, Adabraka, parts of Adentan-Dodowa, Tema, and other parts of the capital.

Vehicles have become stranded, and roads have been rendered impassable. The Odaw drain, which runs through central Accra, was filled to the brim following the torrential rain on Sunday.

The Advice

Residents in affected areas are advised to stay indoors and avoid wading through floodwaters due to potential contamination and the risk of waterborne diseases.

This recurrent flooding underscores the urgent need for improved drainage systems and better urban planning to mitigate the impact of heavy rains in the future.

Channel One News‘ Jude Duncan reports that the streets leading from the Awudome Roundabout in the Okaikoi South Sub-Metro to the Awudome Cemetery and the Obetsebi Lamptey Interchange were completely flooded, making it impossible for commuters to use the road.

It took the timely intervention of some young men in the area to help direct drivers and prevent them from falling into open drains, as the roads had become unmotorable.

Several vehicles also broke down along the stretch as rainwater overflowed from the gutters onto the main road.

Elizabeth Ocansey, similarly, reports that residents of Adjei-Kojo Kanewu in the Tema West Municipality expressed concern over persistent flooding in their homes following the construction of a pharmaceutical company, Letap Industries.

According to the residents, the situation has worsened due to the alleged blockage of the community’s drainage system by the company, which they claim is preventing the free flow of water.

The residents appealed to the government to intervene and help resolve the issue as a matter of urgency.

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.