The Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, has issued a strong call for the immediate arrest and prosecution of traditional leaders involved in the illegal sale and allocation of lands within waterways, wetlands, and other flood-prone areas across Accra.
The paramount chief spoke out during a visit to communities ravaged by floods following the recent spillage of the Weija Dam, an incident that displaced many residents and submerged homes, shops, and other property in low-lying areas.
On Thursday, May 28, while touring some of the hardest-hit communities, the Ga Mantse expressed deep concern over the relentless encroachment on watercourses and green belts, describing the practice as a primary driver of the capital’s recurring flood disasters.
In remarks to journalists, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II specifically blamed some traditional authorities for facilitating development in areas that ought to have been preserved as natural drainage channels and protected environmental zones.
“Chiefs who are selling lands in flood-prone areas and places meant to remain green must be held accountable,” he declared.
The Ga Mantse warned that without stringent action against indiscriminate construction on waterways, flooding would continue to threaten lives and destroy property each rainy season.
He, therefore, urged Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs), regional authorities, and other state institutions to enforce planning regulations and environmental laws without fear or favour.
“We believe everything is on course. What we are asking is that government agencies, the Regional Minister, and the MMDAs enforce the bylaws. No one should be allowed to build in waterways. If it is wrong, it is wrong, and we must deal with it,” he said.
Acknowledging the potential hardship caused by enforcement exercises, including demolitions, the Ga Mantse expressed sympathy for affected residents but stressed that such actions are unavoidable.
“Demolitions are painful, and I sympathise with those affected, but we will have to enforce the laws because these situations continue to cause loss of life,” he added.
His comments come as several downstream communities, including Tetegu, Oblogo, Choice, and parts of the Weija enclave, have suffered severe flooding after Ghana Water Limited opened the Weija Dam’s spill gates due to rising water levels from heavy rains.
The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has since begun evacuation efforts in some affected areas, while emergency response teams continue monitoring the situation.
Officials have advised residents near waterways and flood zones to relocate temporarily, as heavy rains are expected to persist in the coming weeks.
Urban planning experts and environmental advocates have long warned that uncontrolled development on wetlands and waterways, driven by flagrant disregard for regulations, continues to worsen Accra’s flooding crisis.
The Ga Mantse’s intervention adds to growing demands for tougher enforcement and accountability in tackling the perennial floods plaguing much of the Greater Accra Region.
