The Interior Minister, Honourable Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak has described the recent flooding in Accra as one of the most severe weather events in decades, stressing that the scale of rainfall significantly intensified the destruction recorded across the capital.
Honourable Mohammed-Mubarak stated that the flooding affected more than 25 suburbs in Accra and has left several communities submerged after hours of intense rainfall. He disclosed that nine people have lost their lives while four others are missing after being swept away by floodwaters.
The Interior Minister indicated that the loss of lives has deeply saddened government officials and emergency responders. He added that the President has equally acknowledged the gravity of the tragedy and the pain suffered by affected families.
Addressing public criticism, Honourable Mohammed-Mubarak argued that the disaster should be viewed within the context of global climate realities. He stressed that severe flooding remains a challenge even in highly developed countries with advanced infrastructure.
He cited examples from the United States, particularly California and New York City, where major floods have recently claimed lives despite extensive drainage systems and stronger economic capacity. He also referenced Toronto, noting that Canada has similarly experienced destructive flooding in recent years.
In further remarks, the Interior Minister stated that the volume of rainfall recorded in Accra ranked as the fourth highest since 1995. That statistic, he argued, showed that natural conditions played a major role in the scale of the disaster.
“This year June 2026 has received the highest rainfall ever in the record of this country which is about 593 millimeters of water.”
Honourable Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak
He explained that even under ideal drainage conditions, the city would still have experienced flooding because of the sheer volume of water received. Nonetheless, he acknowledged that human activity continues to worsen flooding in several parts of Accra.
Additionally, Honourable Mohammed-Mubarak pointed to poor waste disposal, blocked waterways and unregulated construction as aggravating factors. These conditions, he noted, continue to place immense pressure on urban drainage systems.
The Interior Minister urged the public to avoid reducing the crisis to political blame alone. He argued that flood prevention requires a balanced assessment of infrastructure, environmental behaviour and climate related risks.
Agencies Urged To Improve Flood Response Coordination
The national response to the floods also exposed structural weaknesses in coordination among key state institutions responsible for early warning and emergency management, prompting renewed calls for stronger collaboration.
Honourable Mohammed-Mubarak stated that flood management in Ghana is fragmented across multiple ministries and agencies. He explained that this arrangement often slows decision making during emergencies and affects timely intervention.
Discussing the institutional framework, the Interior Minister noted that the Hydrological Department operates under the Ministry of Works and Housing, while the Meteorological Agency falls under the Ministry of Communication. He added that National Disaster Management Organisation also operates under the Interior Ministry, creating operational separation among critical responders.
He argued that this structure has encouraged silo based operations where institutions work independently despite shared responsibilities. That situation, he indicated, creates visible gaps during crisis response.
“Governance is a shared responsibility. Citizens have a role and the Government also has a role. Politics has its own role to play. All of it, whether negative or positive makes up our society.”
Honourable Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak
The Interior Minister revealed that substantial effort is required to coordinate emergency responders during the flooding. He said security agencies eventually worked together effectively, though the process highlighted communication barriers among institutions.
Moreover, he questioned how frequently technical agencies responsible for flood forecasting and emergency preparedness meet to review risks and coordinate action. That issue, he suggested, deserves urgent national attention.
He also disclosed that Ghana’s meteorological alert for the rainfall was issued at 11pm the previous night, a period when most residents were asleep. The late warning, he observed, reduced the practical impact of the alert on public preparedness.
In light of this, Honourable Mohammed-Mubarak praised Honourable Sam George for swiftly facilitating emergency communication with telecommunications companies to distribute alerts. He said rapid message dissemination offered a useful example of the collaboration needed going forward.
Additionally, the Interior Minister revealed discussions with the Secretary to the President aimed at convening ministers responsible for flood related operations. Such engagement, he noted, would support long term preparedness and improve institutional readiness.
He emphasised that Ghana’s economic limitations also affect emergency response capacity, particularly in providing shelters for displaced persons during disasters. This reality, he said, makes preventive planning even more essential.
Honourable Mohammed-Mubarak therefore called for sustained interagency planning, stronger operational discipline and improved information sharing. He ultimately urged state institutions to move beyond positional boundaries and prioritise collective action in protecting lives during future emergencies.
READ ALSO: Paraguay End Germany’s Penalty Mastery to Reach World Cup Round of 16
