Downpour paralyzes transport in Accra as roads become impassable

Thousands of commuters and motorists across Accra were stranded for hours on Wednesday evening after heavy rainfall triggered widespread flooding and severe traffic congestion across the capital.

The downpour, which hit the city on June 3, submerged several major roads and rendered key transport routes impassable, leaving vehicles stuck in long queues and disrupting movement across multiple communities.

Among the hardest-hit areas was the Ashaiman Underbridge, a critical transport link connecting Ashaiman to surrounding communities such as Sakumono, Kanewu, and Adjei Kojo. The underpass was completely engulfed by floodwaters, preventing vehicles from using the route.

The flooding extended beyond Ashaiman, with several parts of Accra experiencing significant waterlogging as drainage systems struggled to cope with the volume of rainfall.

The resulting traffic gridlock affected major roads throughout the city, forcing motorists to spend hours navigating flooded streets and congested alternative routes.

Many commuters reported being trapped in traffic for more than five hours as drivers searched for safer passages through affected areas.

The widespread flooding once again highlighted the recurring challenges posed by heavy rains in the capital, where poor drainage, blocked waterways, and rapid urban development continue to contribute to flood-related disruptions.

Transportation services were also affected as some commercial drivers suspended operations in severely flooded areas, leaving passengers stranded and increasing pressure on available transport options.

Although floodwaters gradually began to recede in some locations later in the evening, traffic congestion persisted long after the rains had stopped as vehicles slowly cleared affected roads.

Authorities are expected to assess the impact of the flooding while emergency agencies continue to monitor vulnerable areas amid concerns about further rainfall during the season.

The latest incident adds to growing calls for improved drainage infrastructure and stronger flood mitigation measures to address Accra’s recurring flooding challenges.