The Municipal Chief Executive for the Ablekuma West Municipal Assembly, Honourable George E. Kpakpo Allotey, has explained that the recent demolition exercise at a flood prone location within the municipality was carried out to protect residents and restore the integrity of a major drainage channel. He dismissed claims that the operation targeted former National Democratic Congress parliamentary aspirant Kobby Mensah, stating that the assembly acted after technical assessments confirmed encroachment on a waterway.
Honourable Allotey disclosed that assembly officials engaged with Kobby Mensah before the demolition took place. He said discussions were held with him and efforts were made to secure the relocation of a wall that had become a problem to engineers and residents.
The Ablekuma MCE noted that flooding in the area intensified during the recent rains and prompted further investigations. He indicated that residents reported unusually severe flooding and linked the situation to the location of the structure.
According to the Municipal Executive, engineers who inspected the site concluded that a significant section of the drainage path was obstructed, restricting the free flow of water. The assessment, he added, left the assembly with limited options in addressing the challenge.
“We called him to the assembly and had discussions with him to have his wall relocated. The engineers also realised that almost half of the drainage had been taken up, so action became necessary.”
Honourable George Kpakpo Allotey
Honourable Allotey revealed that only two locations were identified during the exercise. He explained that while one case involved a wall along a waterway, the other concerned a platform situated in front of a building.
The Municipal Executive stated that the owner of the second property cooperated with officials during the exercise. He said the person assisted in clearing the affected structure after discussions with assembly representatives.
Meanwhile, Honourable Allotey responded to threats of legal action by Kobby Mensah, stressing that every citizen has the right to seek redress through the courts. He explained that the assembly would respect any legal process while remaining focused on its responsibilities.
“You cannot stop anybody from suing you. If someone is unhappy with a decision and decides to go to court, that is their right.”
Honourable George Kpakpo Allotey
The Ablekuma MCE stressed that decisions on demolitions are guided by public interest and technical advice. He added that the assembly would continue enforcing regulations aimed at protecting communities from avoidable flooding and environmental risks.
Flood Prevention Drive Targets Waterways and Illegal Structures
The Ablekuma West Municipal Assembly intensified efforts to reduce flooding through drainage improvement works and stricter enforcement of building regulations. The Municipal Chief Executive noted that the strategy combines dredging operations, public education and monitoring of unauthorised developments.
Honourable George E. Kpakpo Allotey disclosed that dredging activities have already commenced in parts of Glefe and Opetekwei. He explained that the works are interventions intended to improve the movement of storm water across vulnerable communities.
The Ablekuma MCE acknowledged that some sections of the municipality naturally experience flooding because of their geographical features. He, however, expressed confidence that sustained engineering works would significantly reduce the impact of heavy rainfall.
Authorities are also strengthening monitoring systems to prevent new structures from emerging in waterways and wetlands. The Municipal Executive indicated that assembly officers routinely inspect construction sites and issue directives when violations are detected.
Honourable Allotey stated that some developers ignore official notices despite repeated engagements from the assembly. The Municipal Executive argued that demolition exercises become necessary when directives are disregarded. He explained that enforcement is an important method for protecting drainage channels and safeguarding communities.
The Ablekuma MCE described the issue as a national challenge that requires cooperation between residents and local authorities. He urged prospective land buyers to carefully examine the status of lands before investing substantial resources in construction projects.
Honourable George Kpakpo Allotey“Nobody takes pleasure in demolition. Citizens must help the assemblies by avoiding wetlands, waterways and drainage reservations when putting up structures.”
Honourable Allotey also rejected claims that permits are routinely issued for developments on waterways. He challenged anyone who believes they possess valid assembly approval for such projects to present the documentation for verification.
The Municipal Executive explained that permits cannot be granted in areas that have not been properly zoned for development. He warned that construction undertaken without approval would continue to face enforcement action from the assembly.
He added that protecting waterways is critical to reducing floods across the municipality. The Ablekuma MCE said the assembly would sustain its engagement with residents while ensuring that planning regulations are fully respected.
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