Ghana will intensify efforts to remove illegal buildings in flood-prone areas of Accra. Housing Minister Kenneth Gilbert Adjei announced the government’s plan to clear structures that obstruct natural waterways. This action aims to address the city’s persistent flooding problems, which were worsened by recent heavy rains.
The announcement followed an inspection tour of flood-affected communities. Minister Adjei visited critical areas like the bridge at Dome Pillar Two. Heavy downpours had caused floodwaters to overflow the bridge and enter nearby homes. The inspection revealed the bridge’s current height is insufficient for the volume of water during storms. Engineers have recommended raising the bridge to improve stormwater flow and prevent future flooding.
This crackdown fits into a larger picture of Accra’s urban planning challenges. Rapid development has often ignored natural drainage systems. Many buildings are now situated on or near waterways. This encroachment blocks the natural path of water, leading to severe flooding. Such issues have been a recurring problem during Ghana's rainy seasons, affecting thousands of residents and disrupting transportation. The government seeks to balance development with disaster risk reduction.
“We have also observed that some people have built on waterways,” stated Minister Adjei. “These developments obstruct the natural flow of water and worsen flooding whenever there is heavy rainfall.” He emphasized that this is not solely an infrastructure issue, but also a result of human activity. The government is establishing a dedicated task force for this operation. This unit will be responsible for identifying and demolishing all unauthorized structures on waterways and in flood-prone zones.
The removal of illegal structures is seen as essential for long-term flood prevention. However, the success of this initiative will depend on public cooperation. The government plans to combine infrastructure upgrades with strict enforcement of planning laws. Residents are urged to comply with regulations and avoid building on watercourses. The Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources is committed to protecting lives and property from future flood incidents.