We are going to come after those people building in waterways – Housing Minister warns

The Minister for Works and Housing, Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, has vowed to clamp down on developers encroaching on wetlands and waterways as part of renewed efforts to tackle persistent flooding.

Speaking after an inspection of a wetland at Dansoman Otodjor in the Greater Accra Region on Tuesday, April 28, Mr Adjei said illegal construction in such areas continues to undermine government measures to manage 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. We will move in to remove all those structures they are trying to put up, and they will be penalised,” he warned.

He also issued a caution to local authorities, stressing that assemblies that grant permits for construction on waterways would be held accountable.

“I will advise our local authorities that those giving unnecessary permits for buildings on waterways will be identified, and the law will deal with them,” he added.

Mr Adjei emphasised the need for strict enforcement of planning regulations to safeguard natural drainage systems and minimise flood risks in vulnerable communities.