Building and Road Consultant, Ing. Abdulai Mahama, has urged government to take decisive action against illegal structures on waterways as Ghana enters the peak of the rainy season.
Speaking on Citi News Digest amid renewed flooding concerns in parts of Accra, Ing. Mahama said authorities must enforce planning regulations without fear or favour to prevent the recurring destruction caused by floods.
“The government has to crack the whip. That’s it,” he stated.
According to him, continued encroachment on waterways and wetlands remains a major contributor to flooding in urban areas, particularly in Accra.
He argued that structures obstructing natural watercourses must be demolished regardless of who owns them.
“In fact, there shouldn’t be any sentimental emotions to any structure which is sitting in the waterway,” he said. “Every building, any structure that is on any watercourse must be pulled down. No apology to anybody,” he stressed.
Ing. Mahama further questioned why local assemblies continue to permit developments on wetlands and waterways despite the flood risks associated with such areas.
He criticised what he described as the country’s cyclical response to flooding, where concerns intensify during the rainy season but quickly fade afterwards.
“In the next three months we’ll enter a dry season and it is business as usual. Next year we’ll come back and talk about it again,” he said.
The consultant also called on authorities to act on recommendations from technocrats and engineers, insisting that stronger enforcement and long-term planning are needed to reduce the impact of flooding.
He commended some regional ministers including the Greater Accra Regional Ministers for leading demolition exercises in affected areas, describing the interventions as necessary to protect lives and property.
Several shops demolished at Kasoa New Market for 24-Hour Economy project
