President John Dramani Mahama says Accra recorded one of its highest rainfall totals in several years on Monday, with preliminary figures showing about 140 millimetres of rain fell over the capital.

In a Facebook post accompanied by aerial footage of flood-affected areas captured from a Ghana Armed Forces helicopter, the President said the volume of rainfall was significantly higher than the highest single-day rainfall recorded last year.

"The amount of rainfall recorded today is among the highest experienced in several years. Preliminary data indicates that approximately 140 millimetres of rain fell on Accra. By comparison, the highest single-day rainfall recorded last year was about 56 millimetres," he wrote.

President Mahama attributed the unusually heavy rainfall to changing climatic conditions, saying the intensity of the downpour was beyond the Government's control.

However, he said human activities had also contributed to the extent of the flooding, particularly the construction of buildings on waterways.

The President noted that efforts by the Government to remove such structures are often criticised, despite the risks they pose during periods of heavy rainfall.

"Whenever government begins removing structures built in waterways, some people accuse us of being inhumane. Yet when disasters such as today's flooding occur, the consequences affect everyone. The irresponsible actions of a few individuals end up putting entire communities at risk," he said.