Human-induced climate change significantly intensified the torrential rainfall that triggered the deadly June floods across Ghana and parts of coastal West Africa, according to a new scientific assessment that warns such disasters are becoming increasingly frequent.
The study, released by World Weather Attribution, found that climate change increased the intensity of the three-day rainfall event by between 4 percent and 23 percent, depending on the assessment method used. Historical rainfall records showed an increase of about 23 percent, while climate models estimated at least a 4 percent rise.
The findings suggest the rainfall event is now about five times more likely to occur than it was before the industrial era, underscoring the growing impact of global warming on extreme weather across the region.
The floods, which affected Ghana, Togo and Côte d’Ivoire in June, claimed nearly 100 lives and caused widespread destruction to homes, businesses, roads and other critical infrastructure.
Scientists said rainfall events of this magnitude, once considered relatively rare, are now expected to occur every two to four years because of rising global temperatures.
The assessment concludes that human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels such as oil, coal and natural gas, have altered the climate in ways that are increasing both the frequency and severity of extreme rainfall events.
Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change, Simon Stiell, described the floods as further evidence of the accelerating climate crisis.
“There is nothing normal about these devastating floods. The climate crisis has made them more likely, driven by humanity burning vast amounts of oil, coal and gas,” he said.
According to him, what was once considered an exceptional weather event is becoming increasingly frequent, more destructive and deadlier because of global warming.
Mr. Stiell said the findings reinforce the urgency of accelerating the global transition from fossil fuels to cleaner sources of energy while investing more heavily in climate resilience.
He noted that many developing countries, particularly those most vulnerable to climate impacts, require greater financial support to strengthen adaptation measures despite contributing very little to global greenhouse gas emissions.
He therefore urged developed countries to honour their climate finance commitments in full to help vulnerable nations strengthen resilience against increasingly severe weather events.
The World Weather Attribution study adds to growing scientific evidence that climate change is reshaping weather patterns across Africa, with coastal West Africa becoming increasingly exposed to destructive floods that threaten lives, agriculture, infrastructure and economic activity.
For countries such as Ghana, where rapid urbanisation, poor drainage systems and unplanned settlements already heighten flood risks, the findings suggest that strengthening climate adaptation and disaster preparedness has become not only an environmental priority but also an economic necessity.
