President John Dramani Mahama has pledged to take decisive action against illegal developments in wetlands, waterways, and protected Ramsar sites, warning that such structures will be removed without exception.
Addressing the nation during the 2025 Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations at Black Star Square, he highlighted the urgent need to curb land encroachment, which has contributed to persistent flooding and environmental degradation across Ghana.
The President expressed deep concern over the blatant disregard for urban planning regulations, stressing that unauthorized construction has worsened the country’s annual flooding crisis.
He also condemned individuals who, in collaboration with traditional leaders, illegally acquire and develop protected lands, vowing that his administration will not tolerate such practices.
I must address a deeply troubling issue. The illegal construction of buildings in waterways causing flooding and extensive destructions of property. As we know, the rains are about to start and already, we are seeing flooding because people have built and blocked the rivers and so they have nowhere to go but to backup.
This reckless disregard for planning regulations and environmental safety is a major contributor to the devastating floods that continue to plague our communities. I am aware of instances where private individuals collude with some chiefs to convert Ramsar sites into built up zones. Let me be clear, this must stop.
Those structures will be pulled down and we will not allow a few selfish individuals to endanger the lives and livelihoods of countless others. The law will be enforced, and those who flout it will face the consequences,” he emphasised.
