Floods kill several in Ghana's capital as rescuers save hundreds

Torrential rain has triggered deadly floods in Ghana's capital, Accra, killing several people and forcing a large-scale rescue operation as parts of the city were submerged.

The Ghana National Fire Service said it had rescued or safely evacuated 479 people over a multi-day emergency, as heavy rains caused widespread flooding, fires and a building collapse across Accra, the port city of Tema and surrounding communities. More than 300 people were pulled from floodwaters along one of the worst-hit corridors alone.

Officials confirmed that several people had died, with at least one reported missing, after the city recorded around 140mm of rain in a single day — far above normal levels. Neighbouring Ivory Coast was also hit by the same weather system, which killed people there too.

The disaster once again exposed the vulnerability of Ghana's rapidly growing urban areas to flooding, where blocked drainage, informal building and heavy seasonal rains regularly combine to deadly effect.

Emergency crews worked to pump water from homes, assist stranded residents and recover the dead, while authorities urged people in low-lying areas to move to safety as more rain was forecast. Officials said the toll could rise as assessments continued.