National Safety Watch: Accra Floods, Koforidua Fire Incidents, and Major Drug Bust in Tamale

Between May 20 and May 22, 2026, Ghana witnessed several critical safety and security incidents spanning the Greater Accra, Eastern, and Northern regions. While heavy seasonal rains caused significant disruption and flooding in the capital, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) was put to the test in Koforidua, and the police launched a major crackdown on drug-related activities in Tamale. These events collectively underscore the ongoing challenges of urban infrastructure, fire prevention, and regional crime control that continue to demand national attention.

On May 22, torrential rains submerged several parts of Accra, with the Kaneshie First Light area particularly hard hit. Commuters and motorists were left stranded as floodwaters took over major intersections, causing severe traffic congestion that stretched to Kpone Barrier and Santa Maria. The perennial issue has once again ignited public debate over the city’s inadequate drainage systems and the impact of poor waste disposal practices. Although the flooding caused significant property damage and stalled economic activities for several hours, authorities have reported no casualties as they continue to assess the full extent of the impact on local infrastructure.

In the Eastern Region, the Ghana National Fire Service faced a rigorous operational period. In Atekyem, Koforidua, personnel responded to a distress call on Thursday morning where a fire was ravaging a six-bedroom house. Although the building and most belongings were destroyed, the swift intervention of the fire crew prevented the flames from spreading to neighboring properties and allowed for the salvage of some household items. This incident coincided with a strategic meeting led by the Eastern Regional Fire Commander, Emmanuel Ofori Asamoah, who urged officers to intensify public education and inspections to meet the GNFS 2026 safety targets. The commander emphasized that community engagement and improved logistics are essential to reducing such outbreaks.

Meanwhile, the Northern Regional Special Operations Team of the Ghana Police Service conducted a successful anti-drug raid in the Tamale Metropolis on May 20. Led by Chief Inspector Abu Issahaku, the operation targeted known drug hotspots in Ward K and Sagnarigu, resulting in the arrest of 24 suspects. Law enforcement officers retrieved 25 wraps of suspected Indian hemp, five sachets of Tramadol, and five motorbikes during the exercise. All suspects are currently in custody and assisting with ongoing investigations as part of a broader effort to sanitize the metropolis and curb the distribution of illicit narcotics in the region.

These developments highlight the multi-faceted nature of public safety in Ghana, ranging from environmental threats posed by the rainy season to the operational demands on emergency services. As authorities in Accra look toward long-term drainage solutions, the fire service’s focus on proactive education and the police’s localized operations in Tamale suggest a shift toward more preventative safety measures. Moving forward, the success of these initiatives will likely depend on increased government investment in infrastructure and continued vigilance from the public to report hazards and criminal activity.