On 29 June, floods hit Accra and other parts of Ghana. That same day, the Ministry of Health warned of a possible cholera outbreak, saying poor sanitation during heavy rain could quickly spread water-borne diseases.
The ministry said some residents empty their bins into floodwater, washing waste into drains and water bodies.
We need to stop throwing garbage into our water bodies.
Tony Goodman, spokesperson, Ghana Ministry of Health
Prevention before outbreak
The Ghana Health Service sent alerts to districts to watch for early cholera symptoms. By 12 July, no outbreak had been recorded, and a nationwide clean-up cleared waste and unblocked drains.
Around the world, cholera was rising. WHO reported 29,610 new cases in May across 16 countries, up 43% on the month before.
What clean water changes
- Prevention: clean drains and safe water stop cholera spreading.
- Health: boiled or treated water protects families after floods.
- Community: everyone keeping waste out of the water helps everyone.
How you can help
Share this story and remember that keeping rubbish out of drains and rivers protects everyone’s water. Follow organisations working on sanitation in West Africa.
Source: Citi Newsroom, “MoH warns of possible cholera outbreak after flooding across Accra”, 29 June 2026; Citi Newsroom, 12 July 2026; WHO, cholera update #38, 30 June 2026.
