In a bold move to address Ghana’s perennial flooding crisis, President John Dramani Mahama has vowed to take drastic action against individuals and entities that have illegally constructed buildings in unauthorized areas.
Speaking at the 2025 National Eid-ul-Fitr celebration at Black Star Square, President Mahama sounded a warning to those who have flouted urban planning regulations, saying, “I must address a deeply troubling issue. The illegal construction of buildings in waterways causing flooding and extensive destructions of property.”
The President’s comments come as Ghana prepares for the impending rainy season, which has consistently brought devastating floods to many parts of the country.
Mahama attributed the flooding crisis to the reckless disregard for urban planning regulations, noting that it has worsened the annual flooding crisis in many parts of Ghana.
Mahama specifically took aim at individuals who have colluded with traditional leaders to illegally acquire and develop protected lands, such as Ramsar sites, wetlands, and waterways.
“I am aware of instances where private individuals collude with some chiefs to convert Ramsar sites into built up zones. Let me be clear, this must stop.”
In a stern warning, Mahama vowed to demolish all unauthorized structures obstructing waterways, wetlands, and Ramsar sites without exception.
“Those structures will be pulled down and we will not allow a few selfish individuals to endanger the lives and livelihoods of countless others. The law will be enforced, and those who flout it will face the consequences.”