The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Honourable Linda Akweley Ocloo has declared that Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives who approve developments on waterways will face dismissal if investigations establish their involvement. She indicated that the government will pursue accountability alongside ongoing efforts to restore drainage channels and strengthen flood prevention measures across the region.
Addressing journalists during the National General Clean-up exercise on Friday, the Greater Accra Minister explained that the campaign extends beyond improving sanitation because it also seeks to protect lives and property from the recurring impact of floods. According to her, enforcing planning regulations and ensuring public participation remain central to sustaining the gains achieved during the nationwide exercise.
Moreover, Honourable Ocloo disclosed that several structures erected on waterways have already been identified for demolition as authorities intensify efforts to reopen blocked drainage systems. She explained that investigations will determine whether permits presented by occupants were legitimately issued before further administrative action is taken.
The Regional Minister revealed that reports from affected communities indicate some property owners insist they obtained official approval before constructing their buildings. In light of those claims, she affirmed that every permit will be scrutinised to establish responsibility where planning regulations may have been breached.
She stressed that any official found to have authorised illegal developments would face severe sanctions without exception. The emphasis, she added, rests on protecting the public interest and restoring confidence in the enforcement of planning laws.
“I’m more than ready. In fact, I just want one person as a scapegoat. That is what I’m looking for. Just one person as a scapegoat.”
Honourable Linda Ocloo
Honourable Ocloo explained that disciplinary measures would only follow a thorough verification process to ensure fairness and accountability. She noted that once documentary evidence links an approving authority to an illegal permit, appropriate sanctions will immediately follow.
Ensuring Safe Environments Within The Greater Accra Region
From her perspective, unchecked developments along waterways have contributed significantly to flooding across parts of the Greater Accra Region. She therefore argued that holding public officials accountable remains essential to preventing future violations and strengthening compliance with existing regulations.
The Minister further observed that the National General Clean-up exercise has renewed public commitment to environmental sanitation following the devastating floods recorded on June 29. She added that the strong participation witnessed during the exercise demonstrates the willingness of residents to support initiatives aimed at improving their communities.
An important dimension of the exercise, she explained, lies in changing public attitudes towards sanitation through continuous community involvement. She encouraged residents to participate actively whenever sanitation activities are organised instead of leaving the responsibility entirely to Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies.
Honourable Ocloo reiterated that sanitation remains a shared civic obligation that demands cooperation from every resident across the region. She therefore urged communities to preserve the progress achieved during the clean up exercise by keeping drains free from waste and complying with planning regulations.
Touching on the President’s directive, the Regional Minister affirmed that the administration remains committed to eliminating practices that undermine flood mitigation efforts. She added that strict enforcement of planning laws will complement ongoing drainage improvement projects and safeguard vulnerable communities across Greater Accra.
The Minister finally appealed to residents to support government efforts by reporting unauthorised developments and observing sanitation regulations within their neighbourhoods. She affirmed that sustained public cooperation will strengthen the region’s resilience against flooding while preserving lives, property and critical infrastructure.
Waterway Demolitions Gather Pace to Strengthen Flood Prevention Efforts
The Greater Accra Regional Minister also disclosed that demolition exercises targeting structures obstructing waterways have begun in parts of the region as authorities intensify measures to minimise flooding. She indicated that several buildings have already been marked for removal, with occupants expected to vacate the affected properties within the stipulated period.
Honourable Ocloo explained that restoring free flowing drains has become a priority following the recent floods that affected several communities. According to her, the intervention forms part of a wider programme to improve drainage infrastructure and protect lives during future rainy seasons.
The Greater Accra Minister revealed that the demolition exercise commenced in parts of the Weija-Gbawe Municipality under the supervision of the military and other state agencies. She explained that the operation follows detailed assessments which identified buildings preventing the natural flow of water through major drainage channels.
In addition, she indicated that affected property owners would receive formal notices before demolition takes place. The Regional Minister explained that residents would be given adequate time to remove their belongings before equipment moves in to clear the identified structures.
“Some buildings have been earmarked and, trust me, all those buildings will come down.”
Honourable Linda Ocloo
Honourable Ocloo emphasised that the exercise is intended to restore waterways and improve the region’s capacity to manage heavy rainfall. She explained that the operation also complements the government’s wider flood mitigation programme introduced after the June 29 disaster.
Referencing informal settlements located along major road corridors with construction projects that continue to face delays, the Minister disclosed that Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives have been directed to work closely with contractors to remove every obstruction affecting ongoing infrastructure works.
According to her, clearing those settlements will allow contractors to proceed without interruption while creating safer environments for surrounding communities. She added that improved access to construction sites will accelerate the completion of critical public projects across the region.
Moreover, Honourable Ocloo explained that reopening blocked drainage systems remains one of the most effective ways to reduce the impact of flooding in vulnerable communities. She observed that unrestricted waterways improve the movement of storm water and reduce pressure on surrounding neighbourhoods during heavy rains.
The Regional Minister also linked the demolition exercise to the objectives of the National General cleaning exercise. She noted that removing unauthorised structures, desilting drains and clearing accumulated refuse are complementary measures designed to deliver lasting improvements in environmental sanitation.
“We will give you time to pack your things and leave so that the building can be removed.”
Honourable Linda Ocloo
She also indicated that the operation would continue beyond the initial clean up exercise to ensure sustained compliance with planning regulations. In her view, consistent enforcement will discourage future encroachment on waterways and reinforce public confidence in the government’s flood prevention agenda.
Honourable Ocloo appealed to residents to cooperate with officials carrying out the exercise and to comply with all lawful directives issued during the operation. She added that collective support from communities will help secure cleaner neighbourhoods, stronger drainage systems and greater protection against flooding across the Greater Accra Region.
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