Heavy rainfall that swept across Accra on Monday morning has caused widespread flooding, bringing large parts of the capital’s informal economy to a standstill as roads, markets, and transport routes were disrupted.
Key commercial corridors including sections of the N1 Highway, Kaneshie, Mallam, Spintex, and Achimota were affected, with floodwaters submerging roads and slowing movement across the city during peak trading hours.
The disruption had an immediate impact on street-based and small-scale trading activities, which form a significant part of Accra’s daily economic life.
Many vendors were unable to open their stalls, while market activity in several low-lying areas was significantly reduced due to poor accessibility and safety concerns.
Public transport operators also faced difficulties navigating flooded roads, leading to delays and reduced passenger movement. Commuters were stranded in several areas as vehicles struggled through waterlogged streets, further compounding the slowdown in economic activity.
The flooding highlights the vulnerability of Accra’s informal economy, where a large proportion of workers rely on daily earnings from street trade, transport services, and small-scale retail. Even short periods of disruption can translate into immediate income losses for households.
Authorities have previously warned that poor drainage systems and rapid urban expansion continue to increase the city’s exposure to seasonal flooding, particularly during heavy rainfall events.
As rainfall continues across parts of the city, economic activity remains heavily disrupted, with businesses and transport operators still unable to resume normal operations. Recovery is expected to depend on when conditions stabilize, but disruption is likely to persist in the worst-affected areas.
