Source: Africa Publicity
President John Dramani Mahama has attributed Monday’s severe flooding in Accra to a combination of unusually heavy rainfall, the effects of climate change, and human activities, particularly the construction of buildings in waterways.
Speaking after torrential rains inundated parts of Accra killing at least three persons in Alajo, President Mahama revealed that preliminary meteorological data showed Accra recorded approximately 140 millimetres of rainfall on Monday, June 29, 2026, describing it as one of the highest rainfall totals experienced by Ghana in several years.
He noted that the volume of rain far exceeded last year’s highest single-day rainfall, which stood at about 56 millimetres, highlighting the increasing impact of changing climatic conditions.
“The amount of rainfall recorded today is among the highest experienced in several years,” the President said.
“Preliminary data indicates that approximately 140 millimetres of rain fell on Accra. By comparison, the highest single-day rainfall recorded last year was about 56 millimetres.”
President Mahama acknowledged that extreme weather events linked to climate change are beyond the government’s control.
However, he stressed that human behaviour continues to worsen the impact of flooding.
According to him, unauthorized developments on waterways obstruct the natural flow of stormwater, increasing the risk of flooding in surrounding communities.
The President defended the government’s efforts to remove structures built on waterways, saying such exercises are often met with criticism despite their importance in preventing disasters.
“Whenever government begins removing structures built in waterways, some people accuse us of being inhumane. Yet when disasters such as today’s flooding occur, the consequences affect everyone,” he stated.
He added that the actions of a few individuals who disregard planning regulations endanger entire communities.
“The irresponsible actions of a few individuals end up putting entire communities at risk,” President Mahama said.
The President’s remarks come as emergency agencies continue to assess the extent of damage caused by Monday’s floods, which affected several parts of the Greater Accra Region following hours of intense rainfall.
