The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) has advised Ghanaians to prepare for heavier and more frequent rainfall in the coming weeks as the country moves into the peak of the rainy season.
GMet’s Deputy Director for Forecasting, Joseph Tetteh Portuphy, said the recent rains mark the beginning of a much wetter period expected to intensify, particularly in June.
He explained that changing weather patterns linked to climate change have contributed to the current conditions.
According to him, Ghana experienced a weaker Harmattan season this year, with less haze and lower levels of cold weather than usual.
“It is very usual because it is ushering us into the main rainy season, and if you can look at it this year, we couldn’t enjoy a lot of Harmattan.
“The hazy conditions and the coldness did not come, so that is one of the things I can say climate change is bringing to us,” he stated.
He urged the public to prepare for what lies ahead, stressing that the recent downpours are only the start of the season.
“So we should brace ourselves. But once this one has started, it is ushering us into the rainy season, meaning more rains to come, this is just the beginning.”
Mr. Portuphy noted that June is likely to reveal the full strength of the rainy season. He advised residents, especially those living in flood-prone areas, to take preventive measures before conditions worsen.
“I believe by June we should see the reality of the rain and then we should brace ourselves for more rains,” he cautioned.
“Everybody knows where they are and when it rains you know how it looks, especially those of us in the lowland. There are waterways we should make sure that at least we should move. If we cannot move out then we should move out temporarily then after the rains return.”
His warning follows heavy rainfall that affected parts of the Greater Accra Region on Friday, May 22. The downpour caused widespread flooding, submerged homes, displaced residents, and left many motorists stranded on major roads.
Several communities experienced significant flooding. In Alajo, floodwaters entered homes and forced many residents to leave their properties.
Areas such as Mallam, Baah Yard, SCC, and Dansoman also recorded flooding, disrupting both vehicular and pedestrian movement.
Many drivers struggled to navigate waterlogged roads, while traffic congestion increased as commuters attempted to make their way home.
Residents affected by the floods reported extensive damage to household property, including furniture, electrical appliances, and other personal belongings. The incident has renewed concerns about flooding as Ghana prepares for the most intense period of the rainy season.
