Dr Michael Mensah is the MCE for Ayawaso West Municipal Assembly
The Ayawaso West Municipal Assembly has announced a two-month ultimatum for property owners with unapproved developments to regularise their building permits.
According to a statement issued by the Assembly, and signed by the Public Relations Officer, Jacob Shamatey, on behalf on the Municipal Chief Executive the move comes in response to the proliferation of structures across the Municipality that have been constructed without authorisation or on the strength of questionable permits allegedly issued by other Assemblies.
The statement indicated that some of the developments under scrutiny include large buildings sited dangerously close to major roads and stressed that it was established by law in 2018 and, as such, all valid permits must bear its official endorsement.
To address the situation, the Assembly disclosed that it had begun an extensive inventory of unpermitted buildings in key areas such as Shiashie, Airport Residential Area, Roman Ridge, Dzorwulu, East Legon, West Legon, and other parts of the Municipality.
The statement explained that the exercise forms part of efforts to ensure full compliance with planning and building regulations and to safeguard public safety and urged all affected property owners to take advantage of the grace period to engage with its Physical Planning Department and complete the regularisation process.
The statement cautioned that at the end of the two-month window, the Assembly would implement stringent enforcement measures.
These would include the issuance of stop-work orders, demolition of unauthorised structures, and the prosecution of offenders as stipulated by law.
The statement, also emphasised that the initiative was aimed at promoting orderly development, protecting residents, and positioning the Municipality as a preferred destination for both investors and homeowners as well as adminised all property owners to present all relevant documentation without delay to avoid disruptions or legal sanctions.
