Let's find out officials who approved building on waterways and punish them — Environmental scientist

Environmental scientist Professor Chris Gordon has called for public officials who authorised developments on wetlands and waterways to be held personally responsible for Ghana's recurring flood disasters, arguing that accountability is essential to prevent future environmental and financial losses.

According to him, the country's persistent flooding is not solely the result of heavy rainfall but also the consequence of poor planning decisions and the approval of developments in ecologically sensitive areas.

Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, Prof. Gordon said authorities should investigate planning records to identify officials who sanctioned projects on wetlands and floodplains.

“We should follow those documents, find out who signed that particular document, and have them brought to book,” he stated.

He argued that although those responsible may insist they acted within the law, their decisions have contributed significantly to disasters that continue to cost the nation millions of cedis.

“They will say that they did nothing wrong. But the fact is that they have created a disaster that is going to cost millions just because of their signature,” he added.

His comments come in the aftermath of widespread flooding in Accra caused by torrential rains, which submerged homes, disrupted transportation, and prompted large scale emergency rescue operations across several communities.

Prof. Gordon maintained that weak enforcement of planning regulations and the unchecked destruction of wetlands have intensified the impact of flooding in many parts of the capital.

He questioned why approval continues to be granted for major developments in environmentally sensitive areas, warning that such decisions increase the vulnerability of communities while placing an enormous financial burden on the state whenever floods occur.

According to him, Ghana's flood challenges are rooted in years of poor governance and ineffective enforcement rather than natural weather events alone.

“Everything goes with impunity left and right,” he said, stressing that ordinary citizens are paying the price for decisions made by public officials.

Prof. Gordon's remarks add to growing calls for stronger enforcement of environmental and planning regulations, with many experts urging government to address systemic failures that have contributed to Accra's recurring flood disasters.