Flood kills 1 in Accra

• Posted on February 14, 2018
• by Nana Kwesi Coomson
• Comment

An unexpected downpour in some parts of Accra at dawn yesterday reportedly claimed the life of one person.

The deceased, identified as Ampofu Kitiwa, 58 years old, was said to have lost his life when he tried to save his son – identified as Prince Boakye, 25 – who was said to have been swept into the swelling water under a bridge near the Odorgonno Senior High School.

The man reportedly jumped into the water with intent to rescue his son, but he (son) held onto a metal on the side of the bridge and was saved by a motorist upon seeing what was happening. Mr Ampofu Kitiwaa was not as lucky and was reportedly swept away.

The two, according to police reports, were from Anyaa NIC area and walking towards Baah Yard when the incident occurred.

Prince Boakye later narrated to the police that  due to the downpour, they were unable to get a vehicle to transport them to their destination and so had to walk along the  main road to Baah Yard when the father got drowned near the Odorgonno Senior High School.

As at yesterday afternoon, officials of the National Disaster Management Organisaion (NADMO) were still searching for the man whose name was not available at the time of filing this report.

Other parts of the city, including the ministries, were also affected as rain waters flashed filth from drains unto the roads and pavements, especially at the forecourt of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC).

The flood caused massive vehicular traffic in the city, thereby frustrating motorists. Accra has a history of being adversely affected by floods, with cases resulting in numerous deaths and loss of properties.

BY Melvin Tarlue