Stay at home – Interior Minister urges commuters amid heavy rains

Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak has urged commuters to stay where they are and avoid unnecessary travel following heavy rains and flooding in parts of the country.

The Interior Minister said protecting lives remains the government’s immediate priority as emergency agencies respond to the flooding.

The Minister’s appeal follows heavy downpours that left several roads inundated and disrupted movement across affected communities.

Earlier in the day, he also used an interview on Joy FM to encourage employers to adopt alternative working arrangements, including allowing staff to work from home where possible, to reduce travel risks during the adverse weather.

“As a precautionary public safety measure, members of the public are advised to remain where they are until conditions improve,” the Minister said.

He added, “Those who are safely at home are urged to stay at home, while those who are at their workplaces or other safe locations should remain there until it is safe to travel. Unnecessary movement should be avoided.”

The Ministry also warned motorists and pedestrians against taking unnecessary risks by attempting to cross flooded areas.

“Motorists and pedestrians are strongly advised not to attempt to drive or walk through flooded roads, bridges, or waterways, as floodwaters can rise rapidly and pose significant danger to life and property,” the statement noted.

To support ongoing emergency efforts, the Ministry said the Ghana Police Service, Ghana National Fire Service, Ghana Armed Forces, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), and other emergency response agencies have been deployed to monitor the situation, manage traffic, assist affected residents, and undertake rescue operations where necessary.

Residents living in flood-prone communities have also been advised to move to higher ground where it is safe to do so and report emergencies or persons in distress to the nearest security agency or emergency response service.

The Ministry urged the public to remain calm, cooperate with security and emergency personnel, and rely only on official sources for updates.

It also encouraged anyone requiring emergency assistance to contact the Ghana Police Service on 18555 or 112, the Ghana National Fire Service on 192, or 112 for NADMO.

The Ministry expressed concern for all those affected by the floods and assured the public that every effort is being made to provide assistance and safeguard lives and property.