Ga Mantse calls for chiefs selling lands in waterway to be held accountable

Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, has called for chiefs who sell lands along waterways and flood-prone areas to be held accountable, warning that such actions contribute to flooding and place lives at risk.

The remarks were made during a tour of communities affected by the recent controlled spillage of the Weija Dam.

He was joined by the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Ocloo, officials of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), and regional and local government authorities.

The controlled release of water from the Weija Dam followed rising water levels caused by heavy rainfall.

The spillage has affected several downstream communities, including Tetegu, Oblogo and Weija, displacing hundreds of residents and forcing many to seek temporary shelter in classrooms and churches.

Speaking to journalists during the tour, the Ga Mantse singled out chiefs who allocate lands in waterways and other environmentally sensitive areas, insisting that they must be held responsible for the consequences of their actions.

“Chiefs who are selling lands at flood-prone areas and sites that must be kept as green areas must really be held accountable for some of these things,” he said.

He stressed that the recurring flooding witnessed in some communities is partly linked to human activities and disregard for planning regulations, adding that all stakeholders must play their part in protecting lives and property.

The Ga Mantse also urged government agencies, local assemblies and traditional authorities to ensure that existing regulations are enforced without exception.

“We believe that everything is on course. But what we are asking is that government agencies and the regional minister and the MMDAs enforce the bylaws. Nobody should be allowed to build in a waterway. If it’s wrong, it’s wrong,” he stated.

According to him, failure to act decisively against encroachment on waterways will continue to expose communities to disasters, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.

“Demolitions are painful, and I sympathize with that, but we have to enforce it. Because this will cause loss of lives and this is something we cannot control because it is Mother Nature,” he added.

King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II further called for stricter enforcement of planning regulations and environmental bylaws, saying accountability must extend to all individuals and institutions that facilitate illegal developments in waterways and designated green zones.

His appeal comes as authorities continue relief and assessment efforts in communities affected by the Weija Dam spillage across the Greater Accra Region.