A heavy rainstorm has caused serious havoc in the Talensi District of Ghana’s Upper East Region.According to accounts, the downpour occurred on Monday, 11 May 2026, destroying electricity poles, houses, schools, shops, and other properties. The damage has led to power outages and displaced several residents.
Speaking exclusively to Mr. Solomon T. T. B, a former Talensi Constituency Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Word News reported that he visited some of the affected communities to assess the extent of the destruction.
Mr. Solomon said the rainstorm affected “almost every community,” mentioning areas such as Namoranten, Sawalaga, Sheaga, and Gbani, among others.
He described the situation as very alarming, stating that in Sheaga, for example, the school roof was ripped off. He added that an elderly woman at Namolgo is facing a serious challenge after her house was damaged.
He also cited a retired teacher at Sheaga, Mr. Sampson Sazong, whose house was completely torn apart. In Gbani, he said Mr. Isaac Sampana, a young man whose five-bedroom self-contained house was also ripped off.
He further explained that some electricity poles have collapsed, leading to a complete cut-off of power to the district on Monday, 11 May 2026. He said even as of the time of speaking, some communities were still without electricity, which is now affecting economic activities.
Mr. Solomon lamented that the situation in Talensi District “needs critical attention” and urgent assistance so residents can return to normal lives especially to secure shelter and resume their businesses.
He warned that if nothing is done soon, recovery could take a long time.He appealed to the Minister of Energy and Green Transition, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, the Upper East Regional Minister, Mr. Donatus Atanga Akamugri, the Volta River Authority (VRA), NEDCO, as well as non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and other stakeholders to step in and restore power to the affected communities.
He noted that the rainstorm is coming during the rainy season, and if the affected infrastructure particularly basic schools and health facilities are not repaired, displaced persons may remain homeless for a long time and may struggle to cope with the rains.
Mr. Solomon therefore urged the general public, philanthropists, government institutions, civil society organisations (CSOs), churches, the Muslim community, and all well-meaning Ghanaians to support the affected residents.
Speaking exclusively to Word News, Mr. Edward Azuah Akolgo, the Presiding Member of the Talensi District and Assembly member for the Winkogo Electoral Area, said the rainstorm caused widespread damage.
He stated that within about two days after the storm, many things went wrong including damaged electricity poles, some reportedly removed, and in some instances, poles that caught fire. He said the Assembly has contacted staff from the VRA to help respond.
Mr. Azuah said the rainstorm affected electricity poles that caused power outages in the district from that day up to the following evening, and that as of the time of his interview, some communities were still without power.He added that reports reaching him indicated that some residents had their houses ripped off and that several shops were also damaged. He said many people have been displaced.
He noted that schools were also affected. He specifically mentioned Waki Primary School, whose roof was torn off, and said residents in Tongo-Beo, Gaare, and Yagzore reported having their houses damaged.Mr. Azuah said the rainstorm situation in the district requires urgent attention.
He explained that after receiving reports, he rushed to the district assembly, where the district director of NADMO, the District Chief Executive, and their team visited some of the affected communities and facilities to assess damage to schools, health facilities, and other properties, and to determine how best to respond.
Source:mywordfmonline.com/Gaspard Adongo Ayuureneeya