The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for La Nkwantanang–Madina, Ibrahim Faila Fuseini, has defended the ongoing demolition of structures blocking waterways within the municipality, saying the exercise is necessary to prevent flooding and protect lives and property.
Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem morning show, Mr Fuseini explained that the recent flooding incidents across parts of the country prompted directives from the Regional Minister for assemblies to act swiftly and clear unauthorised developments on waterways.
“When it rained last time and there was flooding, it was something that worried every Ghanaian. The Regional Minister tasked us to ensure that buildings and properties blocking waterways are demolished,” he said.
He noted that one of the major challenges facing assemblies is non-compliance with building regulations, stressing that developers are required by law to submit building plans for approval before construction begins.
“By law, anyone who wants to build must bring their drawings to the assembly so we assess whether the structure is suitable for the area,” he explained.
However, he said many developers either fail to obtain permits or ignore approved plans after securing them.
“Some people don’t even come for permits at all, and others get the permits but do not follow what has been approved,” he added.
Mr Fuseini also revealed that some developers deliberately construct buildings during weekends or after official working hours to avoid detection.
“They know that mostly on Fridays after 4 or 5pm, the assembly staff are not around, so they start building. That is why we now have taskforces working on weekends to monitor such activities,” he said.
According to him, the assembly has intensified its monitoring and demolition exercise across the entire municipality, with no specific area targeted.
“We have not targeted any specific area. It is the entire municipality. Wherever we find structures on waterways or in unauthorized locations, we clear them,” he stated.
He added that recent inspections in areas such as Abokobi and Madina revealed worrying levels of illegal developments.
“Yesterday, we went round Abokobi and Madina, and when you see buildings on waterways, you will be shocked,” he said.
Mr Fuseini acknowledged that the exercise has not been easy, as affected individuals often resist enforcement.
“One of the challenges is that when we go and advise people to remove structures on waterways, they are not happy about it,” he noted.
He further urged the public to comply with building regulations, stressing the need for proper education and planning before construction begins.
“We are doing public education so that anyone developing land will take note before building,” he added.
His comments come after a task force under the La Nkwantanang–Madina Municipal Assembly demolished the Kingdom Palace Church at Pantang Village as part of an enforcement exercise targeting structures on waterways.
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