Parts of the Keta Market in the Volta Region have been submerged after more than four hours of heavy rainfall in the early hours of Friday, September 12, 2025.

The flooding was attributed to several factors, including choked gutters, poor site planning, and indiscriminate dumping of refuse, which allegedly contributed to the situation.

Seyram Amidu, a resident of Keta Central, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that the floodwaters submerged parts of the market, including the entrance, roads, and the lorry station.

“I thank God today is not Market Day, else it would have been a different story. The floodwaters have entered stores, and many places are no longer accessible. It will pose risks to food safety and storage,” she said.

She noted that many traders rely on daily sales for income, and the disruptions could severely affect their livelihoods. She therefore called for urgent intervention to curb losses and support traders who may be affected by the flood.

Amidu further stressed the importance of proper drainage systems to mitigate the situation and appealed to officials, including the Keta Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Wisdom Seade, to help construct flood-resistant infrastructure, such as gutters, to ensure the easy flow of water and prevent future occurrences.

“The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has to come in and assess the damage and provide necessary support to the victims,” she added.

Meanwhile, Keta has experienced similar flooding in the past. In 2023, the GNA reported that flooding displaced many homes in Vui, Tetekope, Nukpesekope, Dzelukope, Abutiakope, and other communities.

Flooding in Keta has also affected schools, with institutions such as Keta Senior High Basic School, Norlivime Basic, and Bishop Herman Basic experiencing inundation, disrupting learning activities and posing challenges for students and educators.

The GNA understands that Keta, being a low-lying area, remains prone to flooding, which has consistently affected residential neighbourhoods and farmlands. Residents often resort to makeshift barriers, which are inadequate against severe flooding.

Traders and residents have therefore appealed to the authorities to, as a matter of urgency, use part of the revenues generated from the market to construct proper drainage systems to prevent future floods and ensure smooth business transactions.

The GNA also observed that several roads within the Keta township were flooded, making access difficult for motorists.