Hours of heavy rainfall in Accra have washed tonnes of plastic waste and refuse through the city’s drainage system into the Atlantic Ocean, leaving large amounts of debris strewn across Laboma Beach. The floods, which followed heavy overnight rain from Sunday, June 28, into Monday, June 29, have also claimed several lives, left others missing and disrupted transport across large parts of the Greater Accra Region.
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Floodwaters Carry Plastic Waste Into The Sea
Videos shared on social media captured floodwaters dragging huge quantities of plastic waste and refuse through the Odaw drain, one of Accra’s main drainage channels, before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean. Much of the debris later washed ashore at Laboma Beach, highlighting the growing environmental impact of poor waste disposal during the rainy season.
The scenes have renewed concerns over blocked drains and indiscriminate dumping of refuse, issues that continue to worsen flooding whenever heavy rains hit the capital. Read our previous report on Accra’s flooding and drainage challenges.
The prolonged downpour submerged roads, stranded commuters and forced many motorists to abandon flooded routes during Monday morning’s rush hour.
Communities affected include Afienya, where rescue teams were deployed, as well as sections of the N1 Highway, Apenkwa towards Tesano, the Accra–Kasoa Highway, Weija, Mallam, Achimota, Spintex, Atomic Junction in Madina, Tema, Kaneshie, Darkuman Junction, Alajo, Tse Ado, Adabraka and parts of the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange.
Lives Lost As More Rain Expected
Authorities have confirmed that several people have died after being swept away by floodwaters, while others remain missing as search efforts continue.
The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) has maintained its weather warning, cautioning that additional rainfall is expected across parts of Ghana. The agency warned of flash flooding, poor visibility and strong winds, urging motorists to avoid flooded roads and residents in low-lying areas to remain vigilant.
The latest flooding once again raises questions about urban drainage, waste management and preparedness ahead of the peak of the rainy season, as environmental experts continue to warn that clogged drains significantly increase the severity of flooding across Accra.
What’s Next
Emergency responders remain on standby in affected communities as authorities continue rescue and recovery operations.
Residents have also been urged to clear drains where possible, avoid walking or driving through floodwaters and follow official weather advisories as more rainfall is forecast.
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