NADMO confirms floods in Accra claimed five lives, warns of urban drainage failures

The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) confirmed five fatalities from flooding. This occurred in the Greater Accra Region on Sunday, May 18, 2025.

The flooding revealed serious weaknesses in the city's drainage systems. It also highlighted ongoing issues with unplanned urban development.

Richard Amo Yartey, NADMO’s Director of Inspectorate, reported three deaths in Ga East Municipality. Two additional fatalities were recorded in Adenta Municipality.

He called the incident deeply unfortunate and urged residents to heed weather warnings. "We need to intensify our education," he stated during an interview on Breakfast Daily on Channel One TV.

The Ghana Meteorological Agency noted only 25 millimeters of rainfall that day. However, heavy runoff from previous rains overwhelmed Accra's drainage infrastructure, causing widespread flooding.

Several communities were severely affected, including Adenta, Kaneshie, Weija, Adabraka, and parts of Tema. Roads became impassable and vehicles were submerged. Thousands of residents were left stranded.

Among those impacted was YouTuber Kwadwo Sheldon. His home flooded and he lost his air conditioning unit but thankfully no lives were lost.

Mr. Yartey emphasized that poor drainage capacity caused the devastation. Unchecked urban sprawl and blocked waterways worsened the situation.