The Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, has demanded tough action against chiefs accused of selling lands located on waterways and flood-prone zones, warning that the practice is worsening flooding in parts of Accra.
Speaking on Thursday, May 28, 2026, during a visit to communities affected by the Weija Dam spillage, the Ga Mantse said traditional authorities found culpable must be arrested and prosecuted.
The flooding, triggered after the dam spillage, has displaced several residents, submerged homes and shops, and forced many families to evacuate their belongings.
Addressing the media, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II blamed the recurring floods partly on the continuous encroachment on waterways and green belts, allegedly facilitated by some chiefs and landowners.
“Chiefs who are selling lands in flood-prone areas and places that are supposed to remain green areas must be held accountable,” he said.
He also called for stricter enforcement of environmental and building regulations, insisting that authorities must stop people from putting up structures in waterways.
“We believe that everything is on course. What we are asking is that government agencies, the Regional Minister, and the MMDAs enforce the by-laws. Nobody should be allowed to build in waterways. If it is wrong, it is wrong, and we have to deal with it,” he stressed.
The Ga Mantse admitted that demolition exercises could be painful for affected residents but maintained that such measures are necessary to prevent future disasters and save lives.
“Demolitions are painful, and I sympathise with those affected, but we will have to enforce the laws because these situations continue to cause loss of life,” he added.
Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) says evacuation efforts are ongoing to move residents in affected communities to safer locations.
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