A torrential rainstorm swept through Accra on the evening of Tuesday, March 25, 2025, causing widespread destruction, uprooting trees, damaging properties, and leaving parts of the city in darkness. The severe weather event, which lasted for about an hour, left many residents stranded as roads became impassable due to fallen debris and flooding.
Kotobabi Police Station Incident: Tree Falls on Moving Vehicle
One of the most alarming incidents occurred in front of the Kotobabi Police Station around 5:00 PM, when a strong gust of wind uprooted a massive tree, causing it to crash onto a moving salon car with registration number DV 5886 W. The vehicle’s occupant, who sustained a hand injury, was trapped inside as bystanders rushed to offer help. Emergency responders managed to extricate the injured individual, who was then rushed to the Police Hospital for urgent medical attention.
In addition to the vehicle damage, the impact of the fallen tree destroyed portions of nearby structures, including the roofs of several shops. Business owners and residents in the area expressed concern over the frequency of such incidents, particularly during heavy rains.
Officials from the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) and the Ghana Police Service promptly arrived at the scene to assess the situation and coordinate cleanup efforts. Using chainsaws and other tools, the teams worked tirelessly to cut through the fallen tree and remove debris to restore access for commuters.
Traffic Disruptions and Commuter Challenges
The road affected by the fallen tree serves as a major link between Newtown, Pigfarm, and Accra Girls School, making it a critical route for thousands of commuters. The blockage caused significant traffic congestion, forcing motorists to seek alternative routes. Commercial drivers, especially trotro operators, expressed frustration over the delays, as many passengers were left stranded due to the unexpected road closure.
One taxi driver, Kwame Mensah, lamented the situation:
“We were already dealing with potholes, and now this. The authorities need to ensure proper tree maintenance so this doesn’t keep happening whenever it rains.”
Accra College of Education Also Hit by Storm
Beyond Kotobabi, the storm wreaked havoc at the Accra College of Education, causing severe damage to infrastructure. Part of a newly constructed washroom facility was affected, raising concerns about the structural integrity of some campus buildings.
Students reported that strong winds ripped through the college, uprooting trees and damaging personal belongings. Many students were left without shelter as some dormitory windows and doors were shattered by the storm.
A student, Ama Ofori, described the experience:
“The wind was so strong that it felt like the roof was going to be blown away. We had to run for safety, and when it was over, we saw that many of our things had been destroyed.”
Thankfully, no casualties were reported at the college, but fallen electric poles led to power outages in parts of the campus, plunging sections into darkness. Authorities are now working with the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to restore power and ensure student safety.
Calls for Preventive Measures and Safety Precautions
In response to the disaster, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) and NADMO have urged residents to take precautions, especially during the rainy season. Officials emphasized the importance of regularly pruning large trees near public roads and buildings to prevent similar accidents.
NADMO Director for the Greater Accra Region, Mr. Eric Agyemang, reassured residents that authorities were assessing the full extent of the damage. He stated:
“We are working closely with city engineers and disaster management teams to clear affected areas and restore normalcy. We encourage the public to report any dangerous trees or structures that could pose a risk during storms.”
Climate Change and the Increasing Frequency of Extreme Weather Events
Experts have linked the increasing intensity of storms in Ghana to climate change. According to Dr. Kwesi Aboagye, a meteorologist with the Ghana Meteorological Agency, changes in weather patterns have resulted in more frequent extreme weather events, including violent rainstorms and flooding.
Dr. Aboagye explained:
“What we are witnessing is part of the larger climate change impact. Rising temperatures have led to more evaporation, which fuels storms. Additionally, urbanization and poor drainage systems contribute to the level of destruction during heavy rains.”
Public Reactions and Social Media Outcry
The storm’s impact sparked discussions on social media, with many Accra residents sharing images and videos of the destruction. Hashtags like #AccraStorm and #FixOurDrainage began trending, as people called on authorities to invest in better urban planning and disaster preparedness.
Some residents questioned why disaster response efforts are often reactive rather than proactive. A Twitter user, @KojoGhana, wrote:
“Every year, we see the same problems—floods, fallen trees, power outages—yet the government does little to prevent them. When will we have a real plan?”
Community leaders and civil society organizations have also weighed in, urging city planners to prioritize infrastructure resilience. Some experts suggest stricter building regulations and improved stormwater drainage systems to mitigate the damage caused by heavy rains.
Authorities Assessing the Damage
As cleanup efforts continue, city officials have begun assessing the full extent of the destruction to determine necessary interventions. The Ghana Meteorological Agency has also warned of potential future storms in the coming weeks, urging residents to remain cautious.
For now, affected business owners, motorists, students, and residents are left to recover from the aftermath of yet another destructive rainstorm, hoping that authorities will take long-term measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
