"Chiefs selling lands at flood-prone areas must be held accountable" – Ga Mantse

The Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, has called for chiefs and other stakeholders involved in the sale of lands at flood-prone areas and designated green zones to be held accountable as flooding continues to threaten lives and properties.

According to the Ga Mantse, strict enforcement of building regulations and local assembly bylaws remains critical in addressing the persistent destruction caused by flooding and dam spillages.

Speaking during a visit on Thursday to Weija and other affected communities to assess the impact of the Weija Dam spillage on residents and businesses, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II stressed that no one should be allowed to build on waterways.

The Ga Mantse was accompanied by the Greater Accra Regional Minister, the Mayor of Accra, and officials of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO).

“Everything is on pause. What we are asking is that government agencies, the Regional Minister, and the MMDAs enforce the bylaws. Nobody should be allowed to build on the waterway. If it’s wrong, it’s wrong and we have to deal with it,” he stated.

The Ga Mantse acknowledged that demolitions may be painful for affected residents but insisted that enforcement actions are necessary to prevent future disasters and loss of lives.

“Demolitions are painful and I sympathize with affected persons, but we will have to enforce the law because these floods continue to cause loss of life. This is something we cannot control because it is nature at work,” he added.

King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II further urged government agencies and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to fully enforce existing bylaws, while cautioning chiefs against selling lands located in waterways and flood-prone zones.

He noted that protecting waterways and preserving green areas are essential measures in reducing the devastating impact of flooding across communities.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith