ACCRA, GHANA — The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has officially confirmed that at least nine people have died following the catastrophic flooding that paralyzed the Greater Accra and Tema regions on Monday, June 29, 2026.
The torrential downpour, which began late Sunday evening and extended into Monday afternoon, completely submerged major highways, trapped hundreds of families in their homes, and triggered concurrent fire outbreaks across the capital. Emergency response teams warn that the death toll could still rise as recovery operations continue in hard-hit communities.
GNFS Confirms Tragic Casualties Across the Capital
Speaking to local media, spokespersons from the GNFS revealed that the nine fatalities are cases that have been officially verified by search and rescue personnel on the ground. Among the tragic losses reported by rescue teams was a woman and her two children who were found dead in floodwaters in the Dome area.
While emergency workers have managed to pull hundreds of citizens to safety, the sheer volume of the water has made recovery efforts slow and perilous.
“Our teams are working around the clock. While we have officially confirmed nine deaths, we are still cross-checking reports from other heavily inundated communities. Our immediate priority remains saving lives and evacuating trapped residents,” officials stated.
Areas Hardest Hit by the June 29 Downpour
The severe weather system completely overwhelmed the city’s drainage infrastructure, creating hazardous gridlocks and cutting off vital transit routes during the Monday morning rush hour.
Key areas severely impacted by the flooding include:
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The N1 Highway & Mallam Stretch: Large sections of the highway were rendered impassable, forcing motorists to abandon their vehicles.
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Dome and Kwabenya: Multiple residential buildings were entirely submerged up to window level, trapping families on rooftops.
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Adabraka-Odawna Corridor: Known as a high-risk zone, water levels surged rapidly, forcing mass evacuations.
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Tema New Town & Afienya: Dozens of homes were inundated, and at least one female trader is reported missing after being swept away near the Tema Community One Market.
A Compound Crisis: Fire Breaks Out Amid Flooding
Compounding the disaster, a major fire broke out on Monday morning at the Odawna Rubber Market near the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange.
The rising floodwaters severely hindered firefighters from the GNFS, delaying their access to the market. Despite the immense logistical gridlock, joint emergency teams successfully brought the inferno under control, though massive property damage was recorded.
Over 470 Rescued in Joint Emergency Operations
In response to the unfolding crisis, the state mobilized a massive joint rescue effort. The Ghana National Fire Service, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), the Ghana Armed Forces (under Operation Boafo), and the Police Marine Unit deployed boats and heavy equipment to high-risk zones.
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Tse-Ado Last Stop: A joint operation successfully rescued 105 people, including 45 children and 40 women.
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Adabraka-Odawna: Over 300 individuals were safely evacuated from rising waters by early Tuesday morning.
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Tema Region: Firefighters responded to 23 distinct emergencies, including flood rescues and clearing fallen trees blocking major roads.
NADMO Issues Urgent Safety Advisory
With the Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) predicting further thunderstorms and rainfall later in the week, NADMO has placed all emergency teams on red alert.
Residents in flood-prone areas are strongly advised to adhere to the following safety protocols:
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Move to Higher Ground: If water levels begin to rise in your home, do not wait. Relocate immediately.
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Disconnect Utilities: Unplug all electrical appliances to prevent the severe risk of electrocution.
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Avoid Moving Water: Never attempt to walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters.
For immediate emergency assistance in affected areas, please contact the Ghana National Fire Service or NADMO hotlines via 112.