More Floods Loom for Accra as GMet Predicts Heavy June Rains
Ghana Meteorological Agency warns of increased flooding risk in Accra and other regions as June 2026 rainfall outlook predicts heavy downpours across coastal and forest zones.
- GMet warns Accra faces increased flood risk in June due to heavy rainfall.
- As little as 30mm of rain can now trigger flooding in parts of the city
- Urbanisation and poor drainage worsen flooding across the capital
The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) has warned that Accra faces an increased risk of flooding this month, with rainfall totals projected to range between 100 and 150 millimetres across the Coastal Zone.
According to the agency, Accra’s flood vulnerability has worsened over the years, with as little as 30 millimetres of rainfall now enough to inundate parts of the capital.
Speaking in an interview, the Deputy Director and Head of Research and Applied Meteorology at GMet, Francisca Martey, said the city’s ability to absorb and channel rainwater has significantly declined due to human activities, leading to more frequent and severe flooding.
She explained that flooding in Accra is not caused only by rainfall within the city but also by runoff from surrounding high-elevation communities.
“When it rains in Accra, Accra rains do not collect only Accra. It counts Berekusu and other surrounding areas. All of them come to Accra,” she said.
Mrs Martey noted that natural flood retention areas that previously absorbed excess rainwater have largely been taken over by development.
“All those places are naturally made to collect rainwater. Now all those places have been built into. So what are we expecting?” she asked.
She warned that the situation could worsen this month given the rainfall outlook.
Urbanisation and Drainage Challenges
She further explained that rapid urbanisation has channelled stormwater into narrow drainage systems that are often unable to handle heavy flows.
“At first, the rain would spread over a broad area and gradually seep into the ground. Now we have brought all of it into narrow gutters,” she said.
“Once the volume exceeds their capacity, the water spills out and floods surrounding areas,” she added.
Mrs Martey also cited development on natural waterways as a major concern, noting that some flood-prone areas have been built over.
While emphasising that GMet’s role is to provide forecasts and early warnings, she said city authorities, planners and engineers must take responsibility for long-term flood control solutions.
“The city authorities know what exactly to do. The Mayors know. The town and country planning authorities know what exactly to do. I give the forecast. They know what to do,” she said.
Nationwide Rainfall Outlook
The warning forms part of GMet’s June 2026 Rainfall Outlook, which forecasts generally wet conditions across much of the country, especially in the Coastal and Forest zones.
In the Savannah Zone, including Navrongo, Tamale, Yendi and surrounding areas, rainfall is expected to be near normal, with some areas such as Wa and Bolgatanga likely to record above-normal levels of 150 to 210 millimetres.
The Transition Zone, covering areas such as Kintampo, Wenchi, Salaga and Kete Krachi, is expected to experience normal to above-normal rainfall between 200 and 250 millimetres, while Bui, Sunyani, Dormaa and Ejura may see normal to below-normal levels.
In the Forest Zone, including Kumasi, Dunkwa and Akim Oda, rainfall is expected to be high, ranging between 200 and 400 millimetres, while Akuse and nearby areas may receive comparatively lower amounts.
The Coastal Zone is expected to record normal to above-normal rainfall, with totals between 100 and 150 millimetres.
Mrs Martey urged disaster management agencies to strengthen preparedness measures, warning of possible localised flooding. She added that while the rains would benefit agriculture and water supply, authorities must remain alert and proactive in managing risks.
