GNFS Rescues 21 Residents as Severe Floods Submerge Homes and Businesses Across Greater Accra

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) successfully evacuated 21 residents trapped in their homes following a heavy downpour that caused severe flooding at Doblo Gonno New Site in the Greater Accra Region. On June 4, 2026, personnel from the Amasaman Fire Station responded to a distress call as floodwaters rose rapidly, threatening lives. The rescue team safely evacuated 11 females and 10 males. While no fatalities were recorded during this specific operation, the rising waters caused extensive damage to properties and personal belongings, underscoring the increasing vulnerability of low-lying areas during the peak of the rainy season.

Beyond Doblo Gonno, other communities faced similar devastation as the rains intensified. In Tema Community 5, residents of Church Village, located near the P.V. Obeng Roundabout, counted significant losses as homes were submerged and essential belongings destroyed. The situation in this locality was reportedly exacerbated by the opening of a nearby dam in Ashaiman, which led to a sudden and overwhelming influx of water into the settlement. Impacted families have described the conditions as catastrophic and are currently appealing to the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and other government agencies for urgent humanitarian assistance. Meanwhile, in Tarkwa, guests and staff at the Longji International Hotel were filmed wading through deep waters after the facility was inundated following a heavy downpour.

In response to the widespread crisis, the Ghanaian government has officially expressed its sympathy to those affected. Minister Kenneth Gilbert Adjei acknowledged the significant disruptions to daily life and the massive loss of property, stating that emergency measures have been activated to support victims across the capital and beyond. The government has deployed specialized response teams and initiated the distribution of relief items to the hardest-hit areas. According to the Minister, while the intensity of the rain is a factor, the recurring flooding is also driven by human activities, including improper waste disposal and the unauthorized construction of buildings on protected wetlands and waterways.

To prevent further casualties and property damage, the GNFS has urged residents in flood-prone zones to remain highly vigilant and prioritize early relocation to safer ground when heavy rains begin. The government has also pledged to implement more robust long-term strategies aimed at mitigating flood risks, including stricter enforcement of building codes and improved drainage infrastructure. As the rainy season continues, authorities emphasize that community safety and resilience will depend on both prompt emergency interventions and public cooperation in adhering to environmental regulations and safety warnings.