GMet Warns of Severe Storms as NADMO and Zoomlion Launch Emergency Cleanup Following Tragic Accra Floods
The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) has issued an urgent weather warning as rain-bearing systems from Nigeria and Benin move into Ghana, threatening widespread thunderstorms and potential flash floods across major urban centers. This forecast, effective from the evening of June 10, 2026, comes amid reports of a tragic incident in the Ga South Municipality, where two individuals—an adult and a child—were reportedly swept away by floodwaters at the Nurses Quarters Junction following heavy rains. Local authorities have urged residents in low-lying areas and near riverbanks to remain on high alert as deteriorating weather conditions are expected to impact Accra, Kumasi, Kasoa, and Ho. In response to the escalating flood risk, a massive three-day cleanup and desilting exercise has been launched by the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) in collaboration with Zoomlion Ghana Limited, FeDEMS, and Dredge Masters. Running from June 10 to June 12, the initiative targets critical drainage channels and flood-prone zones across the Greater Accra Region. Dennis Nartey Adjannor, the NADMO Greater Accra Regional Director, emphasized that the clearing of waterways is vital to protecting the government’s ongoing infrastructure investments, such as the World Bank-supported Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) project. While infrastructure is being addressed, officials have pointed to irresponsible human behavior as a primary driver of the perennial flooding. In a recent enforcement action, a waste collector named Musah was arrested in Tema Community One after residents caught him dumping bags of refuse into a drainage channel during a heavy downpour. Assembly Member Charles Amos, who facilitated the arrest, noted that such actions not only block expensive drainage systems but also create public health hazards by encouraging mosquito breeding. NADMO and sanitation partners have reiterated that the effectiveness of desilting efforts depends heavily on the public’s willingness to adopt proper waste management practices. As the nation braces for further rainfall, GMet has also cautioned of rough sea conditions, advising those involved in marine activities to exercise extreme care. The current crisis highlights a critical juncture for Ghana’s urban planning and civic responsibility; while the government and private partners like Zoomlion work to clear existing blockages, the long-term solution rests on a combination of engineering resilience and a shift in public attitudes toward sanitation. Residents are advised to monitor weather updates closely and avoid crossing flooded areas to prevent further loss of life.
