The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for the Adentan Municipal Assembly, Ella Esiman Nongo, has confirmed that three people died following torrential rains that triggered severe flooding across parts of Accra on Sunday, May 18, 2025.

Speaking to Accra-based Citi FM on Monday, May 19, Madam Nongo disclosed that the fatalities occurred in different communities within the municipality, including Lakeside, Nanakrom, and New Legon.

“In Lakeside, we lost two people, including a four-year-old girl at Nanakrom, and a gentleman around New Legon,” she stated.

The flooding was the result of nearly three hours of continuous rainfall starting around 3:00 p.m., which submerged major roads and cut off access to several communities. Other affected areas across the capital included Weija, Kaneshie, Adabraka, Adenta-Dodowa, Tema, and several adjoining towns.

The downpour caused key stormwater channels, including the Odaw drain, to overflow, compounding the damage and stranding vehicles and residents alike.

Madam Nongo confirmed that emergency teams managed to rescue most stranded residents in the Ashiyie area, but warned that many communities, especially low-lying ones, remain at high risk due to poor drainage and indiscriminate development.

“Because people are building on waterways, there is no exit route for the water when it rains. That’s one of the main challenges we’re facing,” she said.

The MCE called for stricter enforcement of building regulations and urgent structural interventions to address the root causes of Accra’s perennial flooding, particularly in vulnerable municipalities like Adentan.

“If we don’t tackle the indiscipline in our building practices and enforce the rules, these tragedies will keep recurring,” she warned.

Sunday’s floods are the latest reminder of the capital’s persistent drainage issues and the human cost of unregulated urban development. Authorities are expected to conduct assessments in the coming days and coordinate relief efforts for affected families.