“We Are Not Sending Anyone To The North, We Are Sacking Them” — President Mahama On Flood Issues

President John Dramani Mahama has announced that government officials who approve buildings in waterways and other locations vulnerable to flooding will face firm disciplinary measures, including possible dismissal.

The President made the declaration during a Diaspora Town Hall Meeting, where he cautioned local authorities against allowing developments that could put communities at risk. He said officials found responsible for approving such projects would lose their positions and would not be able to avoid accountability by being moved to different offices.

His comments come at a time when flooding remains a major concern in Ghana, with several communities having experienced incidents that resulted in loss of lives, displacement and serious damage to property and public infrastructure.

Unauthorised developments along waterways and drainage paths, together with inadequate enforcement of planning regulations, have been linked to the worsening impact of floods in many areas.

Local government institutions are responsible for important aspects of development control, including assessing applications for building permits and ensuring that proposed construction complies with planning requirements.

According to Mahama, officials who allow buildings to be constructed in flood-prone locations expose residents to unnecessary danger and may contribute to disasters that could have been prevented through proper planning.

The President’s directive is therefore focused on increasing responsibility among public officials involved in the approval of construction projects. He made it clear that negligence or improper authorisation would not be treated lightly.

Mahama further stressed that enforcing planning laws is essential for protecting lives, limiting destruction of property and ensuring that communities develop in safer locations.

He called on officials working in local administration and physical planning to perform their duties diligently, respect professional regulations and ensure that public safety remains a priority.

The President’s comments have also reignited debate over how Ghana manages urban development and enforces building regulations. As flooding continues to affect different parts of the country, the call for stronger supervision and accountability in the approval of construction projects is becoming increasingly important.