Stay where you are until it is safe to move, Interior Ministry tells public as floods hit

The Ministry of the Interior has urged the public to avoid all unnecessary movement and remain in safe locations as heavy rains and flooding hit several parts of the country on Monday morning.

The Ministry of the Interior has issued a public safety advisory urging people to exercise extreme caution following the heavy rains and flooding experienced in several parts of the country this morning.

In a statement signed by the Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, the Ministry advised members of the public to remain where they are until conditions improve. Those safely at home should stay home, while those at work or in other safe locations should remain there until it is safe to travel, the Ministry said, urging people to avoid unnecessary movement.

Motorists and pedestrians were strongly advised not to attempt to drive or walk through flooded roads, bridges, or waterways, as floodwaters can rise rapidly and endanger life and property.

According to the statement, the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana National Fire Service, the Ghana Armed Forces, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), and other emergency response services have been deployed to monitor the situation, assist affected persons, manage traffic and carry out rescue operations where needed.

Residents in flood-prone communities were urged to move to higher ground where it is safe to do so and to report emergencies or persons in distress to the nearest security agency. The Ministry also asked the public to stay calm and to rely only on official channels for information.

The Ministry listed the following emergency contacts: Ghana Police Service on 18555 or 112, the Ghana National Fire Service on 192, and NADMO on 112.

The Ministry said it would continue to monitor the situation and provide further updates as necessary.