Ghana Digital Centre counts losses after floods hit 23 businesses

Ghana Digital Centres Limited (GDCL) is assessing significant financial and operational losses after severe flooding caused by Monday's heavy rains inundated the country's premier technology hub, disrupting business activities and affecting 23 companies operating from the facility.

The floodwaters submerged several offices within the complex, damaging laptops, office furniture, carpets, electronic equipment and other essential assets used by technology startups, digital firms and business process outsourcing companies based at the centre.

Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Digital Centres Limited, Christine Adwoa Agyapomaa Ansong, described the flooding as one of the most devastating incidents the facility has experienced since its establishment.

Speaking to Channel One News, she said management was forced to ask the majority of staff to work from home temporarily because parts of the premises remain unsafe for normal operations.

"It's an unfortunate disaster and since I was appointed to this place, it's the first time I'm seeing something of this nature," she said.

She indicated that management is prioritising safety while engineers and technical teams assess the structural condition of the affected buildings.

Beyond the damage suffered by the Centre itself, Ms Ansong said the flooding has had a significant impact on the 23 businesses operating within the facility.

She noted that many of the affected companies rely on uninterrupted digital infrastructure and office operations to serve clients, making the disruption particularly costly.

"As we are speaking, we are not the only people who suffered from this flood. Our tenants who also bring us revenue have suffered."

The Ghana Digital Centres serves as a major innovation hub, providing office space and support services for technology startups, software companies, digital entrepreneurs and business process outsourcing firms.

Ms Ansong disclosed that several laptops and other electronic devices were completely submerged by floodwaters.

She said management has engaged technical experts to determine whether some of the damaged equipment can be salvaged.

While certain digital information remains secure because it was backed up using cloud-based systems, she acknowledged that many physical assets have been extensively damaged or destroyed.

The Deputy CEO explained that Ghana Digital Centres operates largely on internally generated funds, with rental income from tenant businesses serving as its primary revenue source.

With many tenants now affected, management is compiling a comprehensive incident report to determine the full extent of the losses before submitting it to the government.

The report is expected to guide discussions on the support required to restore operations and assist businesses impacted by the flooding.

The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has already visited the facility to inspect the flood damage and engage management on recovery efforts.

Ms Ansong appealed to government, development partners and corporate organisations to support the rehabilitation of the technology hub so that affected businesses can resume operations as quickly as possible.

She expressed optimism that with timely intervention, the Centre would recover from the disaster and continue supporting Ghana's growing digital economy, innovation ecosystem and technology-driven enterprises.