The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) has cautioned that parts of Accra could experience flooding with as little as 30 millimetres of rainfall, as the country enters a wetter-than-normal June period with expected rainfall totals of between 100 and 150 millimetres.

In its June 2026 Rainfall Outlook, GMet indicated that the Coastal Zone—including Accra—is likely to record normal to above-normal rainfall, raising concerns about flooding in low-lying and vulnerable communities.

Speaking on the heightened flood risk, GMet’s Deputy Director and Head of Research and Applied Meteorology, Francisca Martey, attributed the growing vulnerability of the capital to rapid urbanisation and poor land-use planning, which have significantly reduced the city’s natural ability to absorb rainfall.

She explained that flooding in Accra is no longer influenced only by rainfall within the city but also by runoff from surrounding areas.

“When it rains in Accra, Accra rains do not collect only in Accra. It counts Berekusu and other surrounding areas. All of them come to Accra,” she said.

Madam Martey noted that many natural flood plains that previously served as water retention zones have now been developed, leaving rainwater with limited drainage pathways.

“Those places are naturally made to collect rainwater. Now all those places have been built into. So, what are we expecting?” she questioned.

She further explained that the city’s drainage systems are increasingly unable to cope with the volume of runoff, as urban development channels large amounts of surface water into narrow drains.

“Initially, rainwater would spread over a wide area and gradually infiltrate the ground. Now we have channelled everything into narrow gutters. Once the volume exceeds their capacity, the water overflows and floods surrounding areas,” she said.

She cited the Bel Aqua area in Tema as an example of development encroaching on natural waterways, worsening flood risks in affected communities.

“When you get to Bel Aqua in Tema, you realise the area sits on a watercourse… Bel Aqua is built on a watercourse, which contributes significantly to the flooding challenges in the area,” she explained.

Madam Martey stressed that while GMet’s role is to provide forecasts and early warnings, responsibility for flood prevention and long-term mitigation lies with urban planners and relevant authorities.

“The city authorities know exactly what to do. The town and country planning authorities know exactly what to do. I give the forecast. They know what to do,” she stated.

GMet’s outlook also indicates wetter-than-normal conditions across other parts of the country in June.

The Forest Zone, including Kumasi, Dunkwa, and Akim Oda, is expected to record rainfall levels between 200 and 400 millimetres, while the Transition Zone may receive between 200 and 250 millimetres.

Madam Martey urged disaster management institutions and local authorities to intensify preparedness efforts, warning that localised flooding remains a serious risk despite the expected benefits of increased rainfall for agriculture and water resources.

She called for coordinated action to reduce flood impacts as the country enters the peak of the rainy season.