President John Dramani Mahama has directed the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and a national task force to conduct a comprehensive assessment of restricted and protected lands across Accra. This directive aims to identify land encroachments and vulnerable areas that contribute to the city's recurring flooding challenges. The teams will compile a detailed report on lands not authorised for development.
The President explained that these teams are tasked with moving across the capital to pinpoint encroached sites. Their findings will detail lands that should not be developed, especially those near waterways. This assessment is a critical step towards mitigating future flooding incidents and protecting urban infrastructure.
This initiative fits into Ghana's broader struggle with urban planning and environmental protection. Accra has experienced devastating floods that displace thousands and cause significant economic damage, often attributed to illegal construction on waterways and wetlands. Previous reports have highlighted the economic impact of flooding, with repair costs and business disruptions amounting to millions of GHS annually.
President Mahama indicated the purpose of this directive during an interaction with his cabinet at the Accra International Airport on June 9, 2026. He stated, "I have directed the task force, NADMO and all the others to do a presentation to us. We are going to identify all the restricted waterways." He emphasised that decisive action would follow the report's submission.
Once the report is available, relevant authorities will be empowered to take strict measures to safeguard protected zones. This may include demolitions, which the President acknowledged might draw public criticism. However, he urged citizens to view these actions as essential for long-term urban resilience and sustainable development, prioritizing public safety over individual development interests. This focused approach on land use and enforcement could significantly reduce economic losses due to flooding.
The move signifies a renewed focus on urban planning and regulatory enforcement. This could lead to a reduction in property damage and loss of life that accompanies floods. Stakeholders, including property owners and developers, will monitor the implementation of these directives closely. The government's ability to enforce these measures will determine the success of this initiative in making Accra more resilient to climate-related disasters and ensuring sustainable urban growth.