President John Dramani Mahama has attributed Monday’s devastating floods in Accra to an unprecedented volume of rainfall, worsening climate conditions and continued human activities such as building in waterways.
In a social media post following the heavy downpour, the President revealed that preliminary data showed Accra recorded approximately 140 millimetres of rainfall, describing it as one of the highest amounts experienced in several years.
According to him, the rainfall far exceeded the highest single-day rainfall recorded last year, which stood at about 56 millimetres.
“The amount of rainfall recorded today is among the highest experienced in several years. 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,” he stated.
President Mahama said while extreme weather driven by climate change is beyond the government’s control, human actions continue to worsen the impact of flooding.
He pointed to the construction of buildings in waterways as a major contributing factor, stressing that such activities increase the vulnerability of entire communities during heavy rains.
The President noted that government often faces criticism when it moves to demolish structures obstructing waterways, with some accusing authorities of acting inhumanely.
However, he argued that such interventions are necessary to prevent disasters and protect lives and property.
“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. The irresponsible actions of a few individuals end up putting entire communities at risk,” he said.
The heavy rains on Monday triggered widespread flooding across parts of the Greater Accra Region, leaving several roads impassable, disrupting businesses and transport services, and prompting emergency response agencies to deploy personnel to affected communities.
