University of Ghana halts lectures as flooding grips Accra

The University of Ghana has temporarily suspended academic activities following severe rainfall and widespread flooding that have battered parts of Accra, leaving roads impassable and communities inundated.

An urgent safety notice from the institution's Academic Affairs Directorate (AAD) instructed students to remain wherever they currently are — whether in their halls of residence, at home, or any other location — until conditions improve. "Stay indoors wherever you are now; in your hall, at home or current location," the notice read.

Students were also explicitly told not to attempt to travel to campus or attend any lectures until the flooding subsides and it is deemed safe to do so. The university stressed that the suspension is aimed at protecting both students and members of staff from the risks posed by the extreme weather.

The directive comes as torrential downpours triggered flooding across multiple communities in the capital, disrupting transportation networks, submerging homes and businesses, and prompting emergency rescue operations in some affected areas.

Flooding has long been a recurring challenge in Accra, particularly in low-lying communities, with heavy rains often exposing the city's drainage infrastructure limitations. Authorities have not yet indicated when normal academic activities at the university will resume.