The Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of chiefs who are allegedly allocating and selling lands on waterways, wetlands and flood-prone zones in parts of Accra.

The paramount chief made the strong remarks while visiting communities devastated by flooding caused by the recent spillage of the Weija Dam. Many residents in these low-lying areas have seen their homes, shops and properties submerged, forcing them to flee with whatever they could salvage.

Ga Mantse Demands Crackdown on Chiefs Over Illegal Sale of Flood-Prone Lands

Touring some of the worst-affected communities on Thursday, May 28, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II expressed deep worry over the continued encroachment on natural drainage channels and green belts, a practice he believes is worsening the annual flooding disaster in the capital.

Addressing journalists during the tour, the Ga Mantse pointed fingers at some traditional authorities for enabling construction in environmentally sensitive areas.

“Chiefs who are selling lands in flood-prone areas and places that are supposed to remain green areas must be held accountable,” he said.

He warned that without strict action, flooding will continue to destroy lives and property every rainy season.

“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.

King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II acknowledged the human suffering that comes with enforcement but insisted it is necessary.

“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.

The comments come after several downstream communities, including Tetegu, Oblogo, Choice and parts of Weija, were hit by flooding following the opening of the Weija Dam spill gates due to heavy rains.

The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has started evacuation exercises in the affected areas, while residents have been advised to move to safer grounds as more rain is expected.

NA/AM