Enforce bylaws to prevent flooding – Ga Mantse to Gov’t officials

Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, has urged government agencies and local authorities to strictly enforce building and planning regulations to help prevent flooding in communities across the Greater Accra Region.

The Ga Mantse made the call during a tour of communities affected by the recent Weija Dam spillage.

Addressing the media, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II stressed that enforcing existing bylaws is critical to preventing people from building in waterways and other areas vulnerable to flooding.

“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 said.

The Ga Mantse noted that while enforcement measures such as demolitions can be difficult, they are necessary to protect lives and property from the devastating effects of floods.

“Demolitions are painful, and I sympathize with them, 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 stated.

He further called for stronger accountability among all stakeholders responsible for land administration and development control.

“So today what I have for the press is that government agencies, MMDCEs, Chiefs, 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 and it is important today that our bylaws are enforced to the fullest level,” he added.

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

A recent controlled spillage of the Weija Dam has flooded several downstream communities, displacing hundreds of residents. The release of water was triggered by rising water levels resulting from torrential rains.

Communities including Tetegu, Oblogo and Weija have been heavily affected, with floodwaters inundating homes and disrupting livelihoods. Authorities have ordered emergency evacuations in some areas, forcing many residents to seek temporary shelter in classrooms, churches and other safe locations.

Officials continue to assess the extent of the damage while coordinating relief efforts for affected families.