We'll demolish buildings obstructing drains after clean-up exercise — Greater Accra Regional Minister

The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, has announced that buildings identified as obstructing drains and waterways will be demolished as part of efforts to reduce flooding and improve sanitation in the capital.

She said owners of affected structures will be given a short period to remove their belongings before demolition begins, adding that some buildings have already been earmarked for the exercise.

The Minister made the announcement while speaking to the media on the first day of the two-day National General Cleaning Exercise on Friday, July 10.

“When we come and find your house sitting on a drain, we will give you not even less than three days to pack your things and leave so that building can be demolished. Some buildings have already been earmarked," she said.

The Regional Minister said demolition is also underway in areas where structures are obstructing road and drainage projects.

She stated that Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) have been tasked to clear encroached areas to allow contractors to continue their work.

The Minister stressed that the National General Cleaning Exercise should not be viewed as a one-off event but the beginning of a renewed commitment to improving sanitation across the Greater Accra Region.

“Today has renewed the agenda for sanitation as far as Greater Accra is concerned... People should make sure that any time they announce the sanitation day, they should come out in their numbers to support their assemblies," she said.

The Regional Minister attributed the success of the exercise to the massive public turnout and urged residents to take personal responsibility for keeping their surroundings clean instead of relying solely on the assemblies.