President John Dramani Mahama has directed the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and a national task force to carry out a comprehensive assessment of all restricted and protected lands across the capital as part of renewed efforts to address the persistent flooding problem in Accra.
The President issued the directive upon his arrival at the Accra International Airport on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, after official visits to the United Kingdom and Belarus.
“I have directed the task force, NADMO and all the others to do a presentation to us. We are going to identify all the restricted waterways,” he said during a brief interaction with his cabinet.
President Mahama explained that once the assessment report is submitted, relevant authorities will be empowered to take decisive action to clear encroached areas and protect designated zones.
“When they have done that, I am giving the directive that they should go ahead to do what they have to do,” he stated.
He stressed that the exercise is aimed at strengthening enforcement of land-use regulations, safeguarding lives and property, and building long-term resilience against flooding.
The President acknowledged that such interventions may attract public criticism but urged Ghanaians to understand them as necessary measures for the safety and well-being of all citizens.
“I hope when we do that [possible demolition], all Ghanaians will understand that it is the government’s business to protect the safety of all of us,” he noted.
The directive follows recent flooding incidents that displaced residents and caused significant damage in various parts of Accra, once again highlighting the dangers of building on waterways, floodplains, and other restricted areas.
This latest move forms part of the government’s broader strategy to improve urban planning, enforce building regulations, and reduce the impact of climate-related disasters in the capital.
