The Ada West District Assembly has raised concerns over the activities of some salt investors, accusing them of blocking natural waterways and increasing the risk of flooding in several communities.
District Chief Executive Jerry-John Foreigner Mills-Nkrumah said the construction of salt pans within waterways has disrupted the natural flow of water, leaving communities that were previously unaffected by floods increasingly exposed during the rainy season.
According to the DCE, while the Assembly appreciates the role of the salt industry in creating jobs and supporting the local economy, investors must ensure that their activities do not endanger residents or damage the environment.
He stressed that economic development should not come at the cost of people’s lives and property, warning that the Assembly is prepared to take firm action against those operating illegally.
Mr. Mills-Nkrumah announced that the Assembly will soon deploy excavators to remove obstructions from blocked waterways as part of efforts to reduce flooding across the district.
He added that any salt pans found to have been illegally constructed within water channels will be demolished without hesitation.
The DCE urged all investors to comply with environmental and planning regulations, saying the Assembly remains committed to protecting both livelihoods and the natural ecosystem while promoting responsible investment.
He also appealed to the government and development partners to increase investment in communities outside the capital.
According to him, the heavy concentration of infrastructure, public services and economic opportunities in Accra continues to drive rural-to-urban migration, placing immense pressure on the city and limiting development in other parts of the country.
Mr. Mills-Nkrumah said a more balanced approach to national development would help improve living conditions across the country while easing the strain on urban centers like Accra.
