The Ministry of Works and Housing Ghana has pledged a firm crackdown on developers encroaching on wetlands and waterways, as part of renewed efforts to tackle persistent flooding in the capital.
Sector Minister Kenneth Gilbert Adjei issued the warning on Tuesday, April 28, after inspecting a wetland at Dansoman Otodjor in the Greater Accra Region.
He stressed that illegal developments on waterways are undermining government interventions and worsening flooding, especially during the rainy season.
“We are going to come after those people building in the waterways. With the rains about to start, we will not allow what they are doing to cause flooding in Accra,” he said.
The Minister warned that structures put up in such areas will be demolished, and offenders will face penalties.
“We will move in to remove all those structures… and they will be penalised,” he added.
Mr Adjei also turned his attention to local authorities, cautioning against the issuance of permits for developments on wetlands and waterways.
“I will advise our local authorities that those giving unnecessary permits… will be identified, and the law will deal with them,” he stated.
He emphasised that strict enforcement of planning regulations is critical to preserving natural drainage systems and reducing the risk of flooding in vulnerable communities across Accra.
The move comes as authorities intensify preparations ahead of the rainy season, with flooding remaining a major concern in several parts of the city.
