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 declared.
He noted that persistent encroachment on waterways and wetlands remains a major driver of urban flooding, particularly in Accra. According to him, any structure obstructing natural watercourses must be demolished—regardless of ownership or status.
“In fact, there shouldn’t be any sentimental emotions to any structure sitting in the waterway,” he stressed. “Every building, any structure on any watercourse must be pulled down. No apology to anybody.”
Ing. Mahama also questioned why local assemblies continue to approve developments on wetlands and waterways despite the well‑known risks.
He criticised what he described as Ghana’s cyclical approach to flooding—where concerns heighten during the rainy season but fade once the rains stop.
“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 lamented.
The consultant urged authorities to act on recommendations from engineers and technocrats, insisting that stronger enforcement and long‑term planning are essential to reducing the impact of flooding.
He commended some regional ministers, including the Greater Accra Regional Minister, for leading demolition exercises in affected areas, describing the interventions as necessary to protect lives and property.
Meanwhile, several shops have been demolished at the Kasoa New Market to pave the way for the government’s 24‑Hour Economy project.
—CitiNewsRoom
