“Don’t Call Me When Demolitions Start” — Odawna Assembly Member Warns Residents After Accra Floods

The Assembly Member for the Odawna Sahara Electoral Area, Hendrick Noble Kinnah, has issued a stern warning to residents occupying waterways and other unauthorised spaces, cautioning them not to seek political intervention when authorities begin demolishing illegal structures following the devastating June 30 floods.

Speaking to Bernard Avle during an assessment of the flood‑hit area on Thursday, July 2, 2026, Mr. Kinnah said enforcement of planning and environmental laws must override personal appeals, stressing that residents must take responsibility for where they choose to build.

“The infrastructure is in places they are not supposed to be. Please, this time, advise yourself. If an action is taken, don’t come and call me to speak for you,” he said.

He made it clear he would not intervene for anyone found to have built on waterways or prohibited zones.

“If you know you’ve been in the wrong area, please don’t come and call me because I’m also here as a responsible citizen to make sure that we do the right thing,” he added.

His comments come as authorities continue assessing the impact of Monday’s floods, which inundated several Accra communities, displaced thousands and caused widespread destruction to homes, businesses and public infrastructure.

Kinnah also urged Ghanaians to protect rivers, streams and other water bodies, warning that encroachment and environmental degradation continue to heighten flood risks.

“I want every Ghanaian to respect our water bodies… If you don’t respect your water body, don’t think that you will even have clean water to drink.”

He called on the Ministry responsible for Works and Housing and other relevant institutions to strengthen measures to safeguard waterways from encroachment.

“They should set up committees — whatever they have to do — to make sure they protect our water bodies,” he said.

His remarks add to growing calls for stricter enforcement of planning regulations and protection of waterways following the latest floods, which have renewed concerns over illegal construction and poor environmental management in parts of the capital.

— CitiNewsRoom