At least 12 people have died after torrential rains caused severe flooding across parts of Ghana, including the capital Accra, officials said on Tuesday, as rescue teams continued searching affected areas.
The Ghana National Fire Service said the victims included three women, eight men and one child. More than 470 people have been rescued so far, with authorities warning that the toll could change as operations continue.
President John Dramani Mahama said preliminary data showed about 140 millimetres of rain had fallen on Accra, describing it as the heaviest rainfall recorded in years. He said the highest single-day rainfall recorded last year was about 56 millimetres.
Mahama said the intensity of the rainfall was linked to changing climate conditions and was beyond the government’s control.
Accra is frequently hit by flooding during the rainy season. Poor drainage, unauthorised construction on waterways and weak urban planning have long been cited as factors that worsen the impact of heavy downpours.
The government said it would release 300 million cedis, about $27 million, for flood relief efforts. Mahama also ordered the deployment of Ghana Armed Forces and police personnel to support the National Disaster Management Organisation and other emergency services in rescue and relief operations across the capital.
Neighbouring Ivory Coast has also been hit by heavy rains. Authorities there have not issued an official death toll, but a source close to firefighters and the interior minister said around 20 people had died.