A 20-month-old toddler has died and three women sustained serious injuries after a rain-induced landslide triggered the collapse of buildings at Tantri in Cape Coast on Friday evening following several hours of torrential rainfall.
The incident occurred at approximately 4:45 p.m. when a section of a nearby hillside gave way, sending mud and debris crashing onto three buildings located below the slope.
The victims — Elizabeth Kyerede, 43, Maame Badua, 25, Ella, 17, and Hanson Mensah, aged 20 months — were trapped beneath the rubble and rescued by residents who rushed to the scene.
All four were transported to the Ewim Polyclinic for treatment. However, Hanson Mensah was pronounced dead on arrival. Ella, who sustained a severe head injury, was later referred to the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital for further medical care.
Speaking to Graphic Online, the family head, Richard Joachim, described the disaster as unprecedented, noting that residents had never witnessed a mudslide of such magnitude in the area.
According to him, the victims had sought shelter together in one room during the heavy rains when the hillside suddenly collapsed onto the building.
He explained that relatives occupying nearby rooms were alerted by a loud crashing sound and rushed outside, only to find parts of the structure buried beneath mud and debris.
Residents immediately organised a rescue operation and transported the injured victims to the health facility for treatment.
Mr Joachim indicated that although three buildings were affected by the landslide, the two other structures fortunately had no occupants at the time of the incident, preventing further casualties.
Personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service later arrived at the scene to support emergency response efforts. The Cape Coast Metropolitan Chief Executive, George Justice Arthur, also visited the bereaved family to offer his condolences.
Flooding Worsens Situation Across Cape Coast
The tragedy occurred amid widespread flooding across Cape Coast following a prolonged downpour that inundated homes, roads, shops and workplaces in several communities.
The flooding displaced residents, stranded commuters and caused severe traffic congestion in parts of the metropolis. Overflowing drains and clogged waterways forced large volumes of water into residential areas and commercial premises, worsening the impact of the storm.
Several sections of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) campus were also flooded, with the Casford area among the worst affected.
The situation was further aggravated by plastic waste and debris carried by floodwaters, renewing concerns about poor waste management practices and their contribution to urban flooding.
Torrential Rains Disrupt Transportation and Academic Activities
The heavy rains, which began around 7:00 a.m. on Friday, June 19, persisted for several hours, leaving many parts of Cape Coast submerged and disrupting transportation, business operations and academic activities.
Among the hardest-hit areas were the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) enclave, the Cape Coast Sports Stadium area, sections of the road leading to the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, the Ghana National College vicinity and parts of the University of Cape Coast.
Floodwaters submerged portions of major roads, resulting in traffic congestion and forcing some motorists to seek alternative routes while others struggled through waterlogged streets.
At the University of Cape Coast, flooding affected areas behind the Sandwich Lecture Block, Science Roundabout, the Zenith Bank area, Ayensu and parts of Sasakawa. The situation prompted university authorities to issue a safety advisory urging students and staff to remain indoors where possible and avoid unnecessary movement until conditions improved.
The advisory was issued amid concerns about rising flood levels and the dangers associated with crossing submerged roads and walkways.
Residents and commuters described the downpour as one of the most severe rainstorms experienced in recent months, with some pedestrians forced to wade through floodwaters to reach schools, workplaces and business centres.
Motorists travelling along the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital stretch experienced significant delays as sections of the road became submerged, creating long queues and slowing traffic movement. The Cape Coast Stadium enclave and surrounding communities also recorded extensive flooding, with stagnant water remaining on roads and open spaces long after the rains had ended.
Businesses were also affected, with some traders delaying the opening of their shops while others reported reduced customer turnout due to difficulties in moving around the city.
Residents attributed the recurring flooding to blocked drains, inadequate drainage infrastructure and unregulated development in some parts of the metropolis.
They have called on city authorities to intensify desilting exercises and invest in long-term drainage projects to address the persistent flooding challenge. Many also expressed concern that more severe flooding could occur if urgent interventions are not implemented before the peak of the rainy season.
