CAPE COAST — Heavy rains have caused flooding in parts of Ghana, forcing some residents to leave their homes and disrupting daily activities, officials and local reports said on Saturday, June 20. Flooding was reported in Cape Coast after several hours of continuous rainfall, with homes, streets and workplaces affected, according to the Ghana News Agency.
The Ghana News Agency reported that floodwaters affected multiple communities in Cape Coast, leaving some residents seeking safer locations while emergency concerns grew in affected areas. The report said drainage systems overflowed as large amounts of water moved through the city, affecting transportation and local businesses. Details on the full number of people displaced nationwide remained unclear.
The flooding followed warnings from the Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet), which had issued alerts for moderate to heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, strong winds and possible localized flooding in parts of the country. GMet said on June 13 that coastal and inland areas, including parts of the Western, Central, Greater Accra and Volta regions, faced potential weather-related disruptions.
Authorities have linked some flooding problems to drainage challenges and development around waterways. The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) said recent flooding in the Tema West Municipality had been worsened by factors including unauthorized construction along waterways and blocked drainage channels. NADMO officials said structures affecting water flow had contributed to flooding in some communities.
In Tema West, local authorities provided relief support to some affected residents after floods damaged homes and household items, according to the Ghana News Agency. The Tema West Municipal Assembly distributed items including mattresses, blankets and other supplies to flood victims.
Flooding was also reported in other areas. In Ketu North Municipality, the Ghana News Agency reported that floods damaged property and farmland, while local officials confirmed that two people had died in the affected area. The casualty figures were provided by local representatives and were not independently verified by the news agency.
Government agencies have continued assessments and preparations in response to the flooding. President John Dramani Mahama directed NADMO and other agencies to prepare an assessment of flood-prone areas and identify vulnerable communities, according to reports.
NADMO officials have urged residents in high-risk areas to follow safety guidance and avoid flooded roads and waterways. “Avoid outdoor activities during heavy downpours, and stay clear of flooded roads and waterways,” the Ghana Meteorological Agency said in a weather alert.
As of June 24, authorities were continuing to monitor affected areas and respond to communities impacted by the heavy rains. Further details on the total scale of displacement and damage remained unclear.
