Heavy Thursday Downpour Floods Parts of Cape Coast
Residents Demand Urgent Drainage Reforms as Streets, Homes and Businesses Are Submerged Following Hours of Torrential Rainfall
- Heavy rainfall triggers flash floods across parts of Cape Coast
- Traders and commuters struggle as streets and businesses are submerged
- Residents demand urgent drainage and urban planning reforms
A heavy three-and-a-half-hour downpour on Thursday morning triggered flash floods across parts of the historic city of Cape Coast, leaving streets, homes and businesses submerged.
Traders in the busy Kotokuraba Central Business District and nearby Abura rushed to salvage their goods as floodwaters quickly spread through the area. Many hurriedly repacked their wares and raised them onto doorways while anxiously waiting for the rains to subside.
Within less than 30 minutes of rainfall, major roads including NIB Road, Melcom and the stretch from Kingsway through Republic Bank Road to the Tantri lorry station experienced severe flooding as narrow gutters overflowed, spilling plastic waste onto the streets.
The situation was equally dire in low-lying communities such as Apewosika, Kakumdo and Effutu in the Cape Coast North Constituency.
Although no casualties or major destruction were recorded, chaotic scenes emerged as drivers struggled through flooded roads while pedestrians waded through waterlogged streets on their way to work, school and other destinations.
Some pragyia riders and taxi drivers reportedly took advantage of the situation by increasing transport fares, particularly on routes from Kingsway to Abura, Nkanfoa and Kotokuraba.
Despite the flooding, some residents noted that the rains washed away heaps of foul-smelling waste in certain areas, especially at Anaafo, offering temporary relief from unsanitary conditions.
Residents have meanwhile called on the Cape Coast Metropolitan Assembly to urgently desilt and expand the city’s aging drainage system to prevent recurring floods.
Madam Ama Esuon, a trader, blamed the floods on choked gutters and urged city authorities to act swiftly before the situation worsens.
Mr Yaw Danful, a resident of Ayikooayikoo near the Tantri lorry station, attributed the flooding to poor urban planning and inadequate drainage infrastructure.
“We need a comprehensive solution, not temporary fixes. Bad planning is our bane,” he said.
A student of Cape Coast Technical University, Ms Akua Addo, lamented that the floods continue to disrupt daily life.
“We are tired of being stranded in our homes. This must change,” she said.
Residents are therefore demanding long-term flood mitigation measures, including regular gutter clearing, improved drainage systems and sustainable urban planning reforms.
