President John Dramani Mahama has directed the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and a national task force to undertake a comprehensive mapping of all restricted and protected lands in the capital as part of efforts to tackle recurring flooding.
The President said the exercise will identify encroached waterways, wetlands, and other zones not authorised for development, with the aim of enforcing strict compliance to prevent future flood disasters.
Speaking upon arrival at the Accra International Airport on Tuesday, June 9, after official visits to the UK and Belarus, President Mahama gave clear directives for the exercise.
“I have directed the task force, NADMO and all the others to do a presentation to us. We are going to identify all the restricted waterways,” he said.
He added that once the detailed report is submitted, authorities will be empowered to take decisive action, including possible demolitions of unauthorised structures.
“When they have done that, I am giving the directive that they should go ahead to do what they have to do,” the President stated.
Mr Mahama acknowledged that the exercise could attract public criticism but urged Ghanaians to understand its importance.
“I hope when we do that [possible demolition], all Ghanaians will understand that it is the government’s business to protect the safety of all of us,” he noted.
The President emphasised that the move forms part of broader measures to safeguard lives and property and build long-term resilience against flooding in Accra.