The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Ocloo, has cautioned that the region will no longer tolerate indiscipline in the wake of recent disasters that have affected parts of the capital.
In a statement released on June 4, she expressed sadness over a series of incidents recorded on June 3, including the collapse of a two-storey building at Adenta New Site in the La Nkwantanang-Madina Municipality, a major fire outbreak in the Central Business District, and flooding in several parts of Accra.
“Accra belongs to all of us. Together, we must build a city that is safe, orderly, environmentally responsible, and fit for future generations. Accra will no longer be a sanctuary for indiscipline. The time for compliance, accountability, and responsible citizenship is now,” the statement said.
Following the incidents, she announced a set of measures aimed at tightening enforcement of planning regulations, improving public safety, and strengthening urban governance across the region.
Key among the measures is a renewed push to enforce existing planning, building, and environmental laws. Developers, property owners, and land users have been urged to strictly comply with regulations, while enforcement agencies have been directed to step up monitoring and take decisive action against violations.
The Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council (GARCC) is also expected to strengthen its oversight role through the Regional Spatial Planning Committee to improve development control at the district level.
The statement further indicated plans to intensify sanitation enforcement to curb indiscriminate waste disposal and promote responsible environmental practices across the region.
According to the Minister, maintaining a clean environment is essential to reducing flood risks and safeguarding public health.
It also outlined efforts to improve citizen reporting systems and encourage the public to report illegal developments and environmental breaches.
The statement noted that the recent incidents highlight long-standing challenges such as unauthorised construction, poor waste management, encroachment on waterways, weak enforcement of regulations, and general disregard for planning laws.
She further acknowledged that while some responsibility lies with members of the public, lapses within certain public institutions have also contributed to the situation.
“As Regional Minister, I am committed to ensuring that accountability, professionalism, and strict adherence to the law become the hallmarks of governance within the Greater Accra Region,” the statement added.
She called on residents, local authorities, and all stakeholders to support efforts to build a safer, cleaner, and more resilient Greater Accra.
The Minister also extended condolences to families who lost loved ones and sympathised with those who suffered losses to their homes, businesses, and livelihoods.
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Read the full statement below:
