The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, has defended Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) against accusations of failing to stop illegal developments, saying the assemblies often lack the enforcement power needed to deal with determined encroachers.

According to her, many of the structures being put up in unauthorised areas are constructed without permits, despite repeated warnings from authorities to halt such activities.

Speaking to the media ahead of a demolition exercise at Laboma Beach on August 7, 2026, she explained that during previous visits, some developers were ordered to stop work after authorities identified illegal construction activities, but some returned at night to continue building.

“The assemblies are here; you can find out from them whether they have given anybody permits here. They don't have permits. So, what prevents them from stopping them at those lower levels?

From Accra Street Lights to Vote-Buying: The 'sins' of Linda Ocloo

“But they were told, not that they were not prevented. They were prevented, but you know human beings, you leave in the morning, at night you come, they've raised their structures,” she noted.

The minister said some structures can be erected within a few days because developers often work under the cover of darkness.

“Some of the buildings you see here, within two, three days you come, they've raised their structures and so they work at night,” she stated.

Linda Ocloo noted that some assemblies struggle to enforce regulations because residents in affected areas sometimes resist attempts to stop illegal developments.

She said during a previous operation by a task force, officials faced strong resistance from residents, leaving the assemblies unable to effectively carry out the exercise without additional security support.

“The assemblies are handicapped, unless they have some kind of enforcement to support them. Without that, they cannot do the exercise themselves,” she added.

JKB/BAI

NPP hits Accra streets for 'Democracy Under Attack' demonstration