Tree species
Deputy Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, Elikem Kotoko, has called on the Ghana Armed Forces to carry out the demolition of illegal structures obstructing waterways without fear, favour or political interference as government intensifies efforts to address the country’s perennial flooding.
His comments come after the government tasked the military to spearhead a nationwide post-flood recovery and clean-up exercise following the devastating June 29 floods, which claimed lives, displaced residents and caused widespread destruction in parts of Greater Accra and other regions.
Reacting to the planned exercise, Mr. Kotoko urged the security agencies to enforce the law equally against all offenders, regardless of their political affiliation, social status or influence.
“Demolish illegal structures without fear or favour. The law must apply equally to everyone. If we are serious about preventing future floods, we cannot continue to tolerate buildings that obstruct waterways simply because of who owns them,” he stated.
He argued that successive governments have often announced demolition exercises after major floods but failed to sustain enforcement, allowing encroachment on waterways to continue.
According to him, selective enforcement has contributed significantly to Accra’s recurring flooding problem, stressing that the current intervention presents an opportunity for authorities to restore discipline in land use planning and environmental management.
Mr. Kotoko maintained that environmental laws and planning regulations should not be compromised for political convenience, insisting that protecting lives and public infrastructure must take precedence over individual interests.
He said the recurring loss of lives and destruction caused by flooding should serve as a wake-up call for authorities to enforce planning regulations consistently rather than waiting until disasters occur before taking action.