About 70% of buildings in Ada East lack permits, to be demolished – DCE 

About 70 per cent of buildings in the Ada East District have been constructed without permits, Mr Kenneth Kabu Kofi Kanor, the District Chief Executive (DCE), has disclosed.

Mr Kanor warned that structures erected without approval, particularly those located on waterways and flood-prone areas, risk demolition as the assembly intensifies enforcement of planning regulations to reduce disaster risks and promote orderly development.

Speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), he said unauthorised developments remained a major challenge facing the district.

According to him, some developers deliberately bypass the permit acquisition process and proceed with construction in locations that were unsuitable for development.

“We have realised that many people build structures without permits. Some even build on waterways and areas that are not suitable for construction. This is a major challenge for the assembly,” he said.

The DCE stated that the assembly would not hesitate to remove structures that threaten public safety or obstruct waterways.

He stressed that investigations would also be conducted into any cases where permits might have been improperly issued for developments in restricted areas, adding that officers found culpable would be sanctioned.

The DCE further disclosed that traditional authorities, including the Paramount Chief of the Ada Traditional Area, had pledged support for efforts to enforce planning regulations within the district.

He explained that the assembly’s Physical Planning Department was responsible for assessing proposed building sites and ensuring that developments conformed to approved land-use plans.

Mr Kanor therefore urged residents and developers to obtain the necessary permits before commencing construction projects.

“The permit process is not intended to frustrate developers. It helps ensure that buildings are constructed in safe locations and in accordance with the district's development plans,” he said.

He appealed to residents to cooperate with the assembly in promoting orderly development and protecting lives and property.

Mr Kanor warned that uncontrolled construction on waterways and unauthorised developments could worsen flooding and create significant environmental and planning challenges for future generations.

GNA