Interior Minister Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak has apologised to Ghanaians following the devastating floods that swept through parts of Accra on Monday (29 June), killing nine people and destroying homes and property, while acknowledging that government could have done more to mitigate the disaster.
The Government of Ghana has apologised to citizens following devastating floods that claimed nine lives across Accra. Emergency responders rescued 479 people during three days of torrential rain, flooding, fires, and other emergencies.
The Government of Ghana has issued a public apology to Ghanaians following the devastating floods that swept through parts of Accra, claiming the lives of nine people and leaving hundreds of residents displaced.
The apology comes after days of intense rainfall triggered severe flooding across several communities in the Greater Accra Region, causing widespread destruction, disrupting transportation, and damaging homes and businesses.
Authorities acknowledged the hardships endured by affected families and pledged to strengthen flood prevention measures while improving the country’s disaster preparedness and emergency response systems.
Nine Confirmed Dead in Flood Disaster
According to official reports, nine people lost their lives during the flooding, making it one of the deadliest weather-related disasters to hit Accra in recent months.
The victims were caught in rapidly rising floodwaters as heavy rains overwhelmed drainage systems, submerged roads, and trapped residents in several low-lying communities.
Emergency officials have urged the public to remain cautious as weather forecasts continue to predict additional rainfall in parts of the country.
National Disaster Response Saves 479 People
Despite the tragic loss of life, emergency response teams carried out extensive rescue operations across affected areas.
The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) reported rescuing 479 people over a three-day period as personnel responded to multiple emergencies caused by torrential rain, flooding, fires, road accidents, and other incidents.
Firefighters, rescue teams, and other emergency personnel worked around the clock to evacuate stranded residents, assist motorists trapped by floodwaters, and provide support to vulnerable communities.
Their swift intervention helped prevent additional casualties during one of the busiest emergency response periods of the year.
Government Expresses Sympathy to Victims
Government officials expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost loved ones in the disaster.
In its statement, the government acknowledged the pain and suffering experienced by flood victims and apologised to Ghanaians for the impact of the tragedy.
Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to improving flood control infrastructure, enhancing drainage systems, and implementing long-term solutions aimed at reducing the impact of recurring floods in urban areas.
Heavy Rain Exposes Flood Risks in Accra
The latest flooding has once again highlighted Accra’s long-standing challenges with poor drainage, rapid urbanisation, blocked waterways, and unplanned development.
Environmental experts have repeatedly warned that illegal construction on waterways, inadequate drainage maintenance, and indiscriminate waste disposal continue to worsen flooding during the rainy season.
Many roads became impassable as floodwaters submerged vehicles, while several homes and businesses suffered extensive property damage.
Residents in flood-prone communities have called for urgent government intervention to prevent similar disasters in the future.
Authorities Urge Residents to Remain Alert
With the Ghana Meteorological Agency forecasting more rainfall in the coming days, authorities are advising residents to remain vigilant and follow safety precautions.
The public has been urged to:
- Avoid driving or walking through flooded roads.
- Stay away from storm drains, rivers, and overflowing streams.
- Relocate from flood-prone areas if conditions become dangerous.
- Monitor official weather forecasts and emergency advisories.
- Report emergencies promptly to the relevant authorities.
Residents are also encouraged to cooperate with emergency services during evacuation efforts where necessary.
Calls for Long-Term Flood Prevention Measures
The recent tragedy has renewed calls for comprehensive flood management policies across Ghana, particularly in rapidly growing urban centres such as Accra.
Urban planners and disaster management experts continue to advocate for improved drainage infrastructure, stricter enforcement of building regulations, regular desilting of drains, and greater public education on environmental sanitation.
Many believe that sustained investment in resilient infrastructure will be essential to reducing the human and economic costs of future flooding.
The government’s apology follows one of Accra’s most devastating flooding incidents in recent memory, with nine lives lost and hundreds of people rescued after days of relentless rainfall and multiple emergencies.
As recovery efforts continue, authorities are urging residents to remain cautious amid forecasts of additional rainfall. The tragedy has also intensified calls for lasting solutions to Ghana’s recurring flood challenges, with stronger infrastructure, better urban planning, and enhanced disaster preparedness seen as critical to protecting lives and property in the years ahead.
