Ghana’s June 2026 Floods: Climate Change, Security Risks, and Operational Impacts

Implications

Operationally, business activities are likely to face further disruptions, especially in low-lying parts of Greater Accra such as Accra Central, Kaneshie, Dansoman, and parts of Tema. In these areas, flooding typically leads to road closures, temporary power outages, and delays in emergency response. Businesses that depend on imports, exports, logistics, and digital systems may experience slower operations, supply chain delays, and higher operational costs. Flooding may also reduce labour availability, especially in communities that are frequently affected by floods. Informal traders and casual workers in low-lying areas, including Accra’s Central Business District (CBD) and Kaneshie, are mostly vulnerable because floods can prevent them from getting to their workplaces or carrying out their daily activities. Businesses that rely heavily on transport and access to markets are also likely to be affected. These include retailers and logistics companies that serve Tema Port, which is a key gateway for imports of consumer goods, machinery and exports of cocoa and processed foods.

From a security perspective, the situation is likely to increase risks to personnel, business operations, and critical facilities. The flood is likely to leave homes and commercial places vulnerable to theft, while transport services and communication networks that are adversely affected can prevent emergency response and security operations when needed. There is also a realistic possibility that it will disrupt the operation of critical infrastructure like electricity, water, and telecommunication systems. Businesses that are operating in flood-prone areas may therefore need to strengthen their emergency response plans, enhance their business continuity measures, and review insurance coverage in order to reduce potential losses. 

From an economic perspective, previous flood events in Ghana suggest that the June 2026 floods could place additional pressure on public finances through emergency response, relief operations, and the repair or reconstruction of damaged infrastructure. For example, the June 2015 Accra floods affected about 53,000 people and caused an estimated USD 100m  in damage and economic losses across sectors such as housing, transport, water, and sanitation. Reconstruction costs were estimated at around USD 105m. Based on this experience, the 2026 floods could create similar financial pressures, particularly if continued heavy rainfall leads to repeated damage to roads, electricity infrastructure, and other critical public facilities. In the short term, flooding is also likely to slow business activity by disrupting transport networks, limiting access to workplaces, interrupting supply chains, and affecting the delivery of public services. Businesses operating in affected areas may experience lower productivity and higher operating costs as they deal with delays, damaged infrastructure, and service interruptions. Given these risks, businesses, schools, and public institutions in flood-prone parts of Accra are likely to rely more on contingency plans, flexible working arrangements, and temporary remote operations to maintain essential activities during periods of severe rainfall.