The Ministry of Works and Housing has pledged to take decisive action against developers illegally reclaiming wetlands and constructing buildings on waterways, as part of efforts to curb perennial flooding.

Sector Minister, Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, said such activities are undermining government interventions aimed at addressing flooding, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.

Addressing the media on Tuesday, April 28, after inspecting a wetland at Dansoman Otodjor in the Greater Accra Region, Mr Adjei stressed that authorities will not tolerate the continued encroachment on waterways.

“We are going to come after those people building in the waterways. With the rains about to start, we will not allow what they are doing to cause flooding in Accra. We will move in to remove all those structures they are trying to put up, and they will be penalised,” he warned.

The Minister also cautioned local assemblies against issuing permits for developments on wetlands, indicating that such actions will not go unchecked.

“I will advise our local authorities that those giving unnecessary permits for buildings on waterways will be identified, and the law will deal with them,” he added.

Mr. Adjei emphasised the need for strict enforcement of planning regulations to protect natural drainage systems and reduce the risk of flooding in vulnerable communities.