Ella Esiman Nongo, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of the Adentan Municipal Assembly, has verified the deaths of three people following a severe downpour that led to extensive flooding in Accra on Sunday, May 18, 2025. The heavy rains, which persisted for over three hours, caused significant flooding in various parts of the capital, including East Legon, Ofankor Barrier, Adentan, and the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange.

In a statement to Citi FM, Madam Nongo reported that the flooding resulted in widespread property damage in communities such as Lakeside, Nanakrom, and New Legon. Two fatalities occurred in Lakeside, while a four-year-old girl died in Nanakrom, and another individual passed away near New Legon. Many residents were trapped in their homes due to the rapid rise of floodwaters.

The continuous rainfall, which commenced around 3:00 p.m., submerged major roads and isolated several communities. Other affected areas included Weija, Kaneshie, Adabraka, Adenta-Dodowa, Tema, and adjacent towns. The overflowing of key stormwater channels, notably the Odaw drain, worsened the situation, stranding both vehicles and residents.

Madam Nongo confirmed that emergency teams successfully rescued numerous stranded residents in the Ashiyie area. However, she cautioned that many communities, particularly those in low-lying areas, remain vulnerable due to inadequate drainage systems and unregulated development. She emphasized that the illegal construction of buildings on waterways obstructs the natural flow of water, exacerbating the flooding.

The MCE called for stricter enforcement of building regulations and immediate structural interventions to address the underlying causes of Accra’s recurrent flooding, particularly in vulnerable municipalities like Adentan. She stressed the importance of tackling indiscipline in building practices to prevent future tragedies. Sunday’s floods serve as another stark reminder of the capital’s ongoing drainage problems and the human cost of unregulated urban development. Authorities are expected to conduct thorough assessments and provide relief to affected families in the coming days.

Madam Nongo also noted that developers often bypass the assembly when constructing buildings, dealing directly with individuals and assuming they have the necessary permissions. This lack of oversight contributes to the problem. Accra’s vulnerability to flooding has become a recurring crisis, with the city struggling with flooded roads, displaced residents, and damage to infrastructure each rainy season. Calls are growing for stricter enforcement of planning regulations, increased investment in drainage infrastructure, and a comprehensive approach to flood management in the capital.