Inmates at the Sekondi Central Prison in Ghana’s Western Region were forced to spend several hours scooping floodwater from their cells after heavy rains submerged parts of the overcrowded correctional facility.

The flooding reportedly turned sections of the colonial-era prison yard into stagnant pools of water, leaving inmates stranded in unsafe and uncomfortable conditions. Reports indicate that some prisoners had to remain standing for long periods as water filled low-lying sections of the prison compound.

Authorities say the incident was caused by an overstretched and poorly designed drainage system that could not handle the volume of rainwater during the downpour. Engineers who inspected the facility explained that the prison’s internal drainage channels are unable to effectively connect to external outlets, causing water to accumulate within the compound.

The Sekondi Central Prison, originally built in 1902, was designed to accommodate a far smaller inmate population than it currently holds. While the facility’s official capacity is significantly limited, reports suggest the prison now houses more than 600 inmates, worsening congestion and sanitation challenges.

Officials from construction firm Viabuild, who joined prison authorities for an inspection, described the drainage structure as fundamentally flawed. According to them, larger internal drains reportedly channel water into smaller external outlets, creating severe bottlenecks whenever rainfall intensifies.

The prison’s geographical location has also been identified as a contributing factor. Experts noted that runoff water from surrounding communities flows back into the prison yard because portions of the facility sit at a lower elevation than nearby areas.

The incident has renewed concerns over conditions within Ghana’s prison system, particularly overcrowding, poor sanitation, and aging infrastructure. Human rights advocates have repeatedly called for urgent reforms and investment in correctional facilities across the country.

Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson reportedly suggested that relocating the prison may offer a long-term solution to the recurring flooding problem, citing both security concerns and limited space within the city-centre location.

The Ghana Prisons Service has yet to announce immediate remedial measures, but growing public concern is expected to increase pressure on authorities to address the deteriorating conditions at the facility before future rains trigger another crisis.