On the evening of Thursday, March 13, a torrential downpour caused significant flooding along the Ofankor Barrier section of the N1 Highway in Accra, leading to significant traffic jams and the stranding of many pedestrians.
Only a few hours of rain caused the flooding, which resulted in a heavy traffic jam that extended from Tantra Hill to the Achimota Old Station and beyond.
As the situation deteriorated, some drivers turned around on the main highway at the Neoplan Station and headed into the outer road that led to Taifa and the nearby settlements in a last-ditch effort to avoid becoming trapped in the rising waters.
Not all drivers, meanwhile, had the good fortune to avoid the flooding. A number of vehicles were unable to move because they were either totally flooded or stranded in the water.
The persistent issue of inadequate drainage and flooding in Ghana’s capital was further highlighted by the severe floods that occurred in places like Shiashie in addition to the Ofankor Barrier section.
As buses, private automobiles, and commercial minibuses (trotros) struggled to navigate through the floodwaters, commuters traveling to Amasaman, Pokuase, and other areas of the Greater Accra Region were caught in what felt like an endless standstill.
In certain places, the water levels were dangerously high, leaving pedestrians stuck as they tried to cross the flooded streets.
Many had no choice but to wait for the floodwaters to recede before continuing their journey home.
Shiashie, another flood-prone area in Accra, also experienced severe flooding following Thursday’s rains. This area, which has long struggled with poor drainage infrastructure, turned into a mini river, with water flowing through the streets and into businesses and homes.
