In a powerful statement at the 2025 Eid-ul-Fitr celebration held at the Black Star Square, President John Dramani Mahama issued a stern warning against building in waterways and other protected areas.
He vowed to take strong measures to address the annual flooding crisis affecting Ghana’s communities.
President Mahama expressed deep concern over the growing trend of land encroachment, which has exacerbated flooding and caused significant property damage.
“We cannot ignore the dangerous trend of building in waterways and protected lands. This has led to flooding and the destruction of countless properties,” Mahama stated firmly.
With the rainy season already beginning to cause flooding in several regions, the president noted that the problem was intensifying as rivers and drainage paths became blocked due to unauthorised developments.
He specifically condemned private developers who, in collaboration with some traditional leaders, are converting Ramsar sites—important protected wetlands—into built-up zones.
These actions, he stressed, are both reckless and harmful to the environment.
“I want to make it clear—these illegal structures will be demolished. We will not allow a few selfish individuals to put the lives and livelihoods of many Ghanaians at risk,” President Mahama warned.
The president reassured Ghanaians that his administration would enforce urban planning laws and take strict action against violators.
He emphasised that demolitions would be carried out without exceptions and that individuals responsible for illegal constructions would face legal consequences.
“The law will be upheld, and those who break it will face the full force of the law,” Mahama declared.