Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II has called for the arrest and prosecution of chiefs allegedly involved in the sale of lands located along waterways and other flood-prone areas.
He warned that such practices are contributing to recurring flooding disasters in parts of Ghana.
The Ga Mantse made the call on Thursday, May 28, during a tour of communities affected by flooding following the spillage of the Weija Dam, which has submerged homes, shops and displaced several residents.
Addressing journalists during the visit, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II accused some traditional leaders of allocating lands originally designated as waterways and green belts for private development.
“Chiefs who are selling lands in flood-prone areas and places that are supposed to remain green areas must be held accountable,” he stated.
The Ga Mantse stressed the need for strict enforcement of building regulations and environmental by-laws to help prevent future flooding incidents in vulnerable communities.
According to him, government institutions, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), and regional authorities must ensure that no one is allowed to construct buildings in waterways.
“We believe that everything is on course. What we are asking is that government agencies, the Regional Minister, and the MMDAs enforce the by-laws. Nobody should be allowed to build in waterways. If it is wrong, it is wrong, and we have to deal with it,” he said.
While acknowledging the emotional and financial impact demolitions may have on affected property owners, the Ga Mantse insisted that enforcement actions are necessary to save lives and protect property.
“Demolitions are painful, and I sympathise with those affected, but we will have to enforce the laws because these situations continue to cause loss of life,” he added.
Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) says evacuation efforts are currently underway to relocate residents from affected communities to safer locations as flooding continues to impact parts of the Greater Accra Region.
Source:3news.com