“Three Dead After Heavy Rains Hit Adenta on Sunday”

Three people have died after heavy rains triggered severe flooding in parts of Accra on Sunday, May 18, 2025, according to Adentan Municipal Chief Executive Ella Esiman Nongo. The prolonged downpour, which lasted over three hours, submerged neighborhoods including East Legon, Ofankor Barrier, Adentan, and the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange, causing significant damage. Nongo confirmed that the floods claimed three lives – two victims in Lakeside, including a four-year-old girl in Nanakrom, and a man near New Legon. Many residents were stranded in their homes as water levels rose rapidly. The MCE blamed illegal construction on waterways for worsening the flooding, warning that unauthorized structures would be demolished. “Dredging alone isn’t enough,” Nongo told Citi FM. “Many developers build without proper permits, sometimes dealing with individuals instead of following official channels. Often, our planning officers aren’t even aware of these illegal constructions until it’s too late.” The incident highlights Accra’s recurring flood crisis, which surfaces annually during the rainy season, damaging infrastructure and displacing residents. Despite temporary measures by authorities, fundamental issues like poor urban planning, weak enforcement of building regulations, and inadequate drainage systems remain unresolved. Experts continue to call for comprehensive flood prevention strategies, including stricter development controls and improved drainage infrastructure, to prevent future tragedies.

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Fire Devastates Kantamanto Market, Displacing Hundreds of Traders and Destroying Properties

A devastating fire has ravaged the Kantamanto Market in the heart of Accra’s Central Business District, displacing hundreds of traders and causing widespread destruction of properties, some worth millions of cedis. The inferno, which broke out suddenly on the night of January 1, 2025, quickly spread across the market, nearly reducing it to ashes. The fast-moving flames caught many of the traders off guard, forcing them to scramble through the fire in a desperate attempt to save their goods. Eyewitnesses recount the chaos that unfolded that night. Many residents and traders were asleep when the fire erupted. “We were asleep when we heard someone shouting. When we woke up, we saw that there was a fire outbreak,” one resident recalled, still shaken by the traumatic event. As the fire grew, the market, known for its bustling commercial activities, was engulfed in smoke and flames. Traders and other marketgoers who were able to react in time tried to salvage whatever they could, but the rapid spread of the blaze made it almost impossible to prevent the damage. The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) was quick to respond, deploying 13 fire tenders from various stations across the Greater Accra Region to combat the blaze. However, despite their best efforts, it took several hours for the firefighters to bring the fire under control. ADO1 Alex King Nartey, the spokesperson for the Fire Service, explained that one of the key challenges in fighting the fire was the lack of accessible fire hydrants in the area. As the fire spread, the water supply quickly ran out, making it difficult for firefighters to contain the blaze. Even when the fire was initially brought under control, the lack of a reliable water source caused the flames to reignite multiple times, prolonging the battle. Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported, but the extent of the property damage is severe. The fire has left a trail of destruction, with countless shops, goods, and equipment lost, amounting to significant financial losses for the traders. ADO1 Nartey mentioned that extinguishing the fire could take up to two days due to the intensity of the flames and the difficult conditions on the ground. In a show of solidarity, some local residents, along with traders, worked alongside fire officers to contain the fire. However, despite their best efforts, the destruction was extensive. Many traders are now left without their businesses, and they are calling for immediate support to help rebuild their livelihoods.…

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WNBA Icon McCoughtry and Angola’s Basketball Star Carlos Morais to Participate in 2024 BAL Celebrity Game in Accra

The 2024 Basketball Africa League (BAL) celebrity game, set to take place in Accra, Ghana, is generating significant excitement with the announcement of two prominent figures set to take part: WNBA legend Angel McCoughtry and Angola’s own basketball star, Carlos Morais. Both of these athletes, known for their high-level skills and accomplishments, will showcase their talents at this thrilling event, which will help bring even more international attention to the growing basketball scene in Africa. Angel McCoughtry is a household name in women’s basketball. The five-time WNBA All-Star has had an illustrious career with the Atlanta Dream, where she was a standout player for many years. McCoughtry’s skillset, which includes exceptional scoring ability, defense, and leadership, has made her one of the best in the league’s history. Notably, she was a key player in securing the Dream’s playoff appearances during her tenure and has earned accolades for her performances both domestically and internationally. Her participation in the 2024 BAL celebrity game will not only highlight her exceptional abilities but also raise the profile of women’s basketball in Africa, where the sport continues to grow in popularity. On the other hand, Carlos Morais is a giant in African basketball, especially within his home country of Angola. A star player for Petro de Luanda, one of the top basketball clubs in Angola, Morais has represented his country on the international stage for many years. He has had success in both African competitions and world events, including multiple AfroBasket championships with Angola’s national team. Morais’ leadership and prowess on the court, combined with his experience playing in the Basketball Africa League (BAL), make him a perfect fit for this prestigious event. Morais is also noted for his skill in clutch moments, as evidenced by his role in Petro de Luanda’s competitive performances in the BAL, where he has been recognized as one of the league’s top players. His participation in the event brings further attention to the incredible basketball talent emerging from Africa. The 2024 celebrity game will see McCoughtry and Morais, alongside other notable figures from the basketball world, face off in an entertaining and action-packed contest. The game is not just about the players’ skills but also the cultural significance of bringing together international stars to celebrate the game of basketball in Africa. As the BAL grows in prominence, it is helping to create a platform for African talent and bringing attention to the rich basketball history of the continent.…

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