Flooding in Accra has once again left a trail of destruction as residents of Awudome and Adentan recount the devastation caused by heavy rains on Sunday, May 18, 2025. The relentless downpour, which lasted for nearly three hours from around 3:00 p.m., submerged major roads, cut off communities, and damaged homes, shops, and infrastructure.
In Awudome, floodwaters engulfed the main road leading to the cemetery and the Obetsebi-Lamptey Interchange, forcing vehicles and pedestrians to a standstill. Though the waters have since receded, thick mud and debris now line the roads, making movement difficult and unsafe.
Local authorities at the sub-metro level say the root cause of the flooding in Awudome is the choked drainage system. Drains in the area, they confirmed, have not been desilted in years. One resident who both lives and works in the community described the situation as increasingly dangerous. He said the gutters, especially those near the Awudome cemetery, are completely blocked, which leads to flooding when light rains occur. He expressed the willingness of residents to help with clean-up in order to help the situation.
Meanwhile, the situation in Adentan’s Lakeside community is equally dire. Residents are counting major losses after the rain swept through homes, shops, and even pharmacies. More than 20 shop owners were seen scooping water from their premises, salvaging whatever they could. Many have lost valuable goods, and the cleanup is ongoing.
The Municipal Chief Executive for the Adentan Municipal Assembly, Madam Ella Esiman Nongo, confirmed that three people lost their lives as a result of the flooding in Accra. She revealed that two deaths occurred at Lakeside, including a four-year-old girl at Nanakrom, while another man was reported dead in the New Legon area.
Beyond Awudome and Adentan, other communities affected by the flooding in Accra include Weija, Kaneshie, Adabraka, Adenta-Dodowa, Tema, and adjoining neighborhoods. The downpour also caused major stormwater channels like the Odaw drain to overflow, worsening the damage and leaving residents stranded.
Authorities have begun assessments and are expected to coordinate relief efforts in the coming days. However, residents are calling for long-term solutions to the recurring problem. From proper enforcement of building regulations to urgent drainage system upgrades, many believe that until decisive action is taken, flooding in Accra will continue to endanger lives and destroy livelihoods.
