President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans to demolish illegal structures on waterways.
The government action is expected to address Ghana’s perennial flooding crisis.
Speaking at the National Eid Al-Fitr prayers at Black Star Square in Accra, President Mahama warned his government would no longer tolerate the reckless disregard for regulations and environmental safety.
“As we know, the rains are about to start. And already we can see flooding because people have built and blocked the rivers, and so the rivers have nowhere to go but to back up,” Mahama stated
He emphasized that the reckless disregard for planning regulations and environmental safety is a major cause of the devastating floods that wreak havoc on communities across the nation.
The President revealed that he is aware of instances where private businesses, in collusion with some chiefs, are converting water retention areas and Ramsar sites into built-up zones.
“I am aware of instances where private businesses, in cahoots with some chiefs, are turning water retention areas and Ramsar sites into built-up zones. Let me be clear: this must stop. Those structures will be pulled down,” he declared.
Mahama assured that the law would be strictly enforced, and those who flout it will face consequences.
He said “The law will be enforced, and those who flout it will face the consequences”.
He stressed that building a better Ghana requires collective effort and shared responsibility, urging all citizens to comply with environmental and urban planning regulations.
“Building a better Ghana requires collective effort and shared responsibility.”
Source: www.kumasimail.com /Kwadwo Owusu
