The Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, has issued a strong warning to estate developers and landowners in the region, cautioning that structures erected on waterways, wetlands and other unauthorised areas will be demolished without hesitation.
He said the government will intensify enforcement measures as part of efforts to reduce flooding and protect lives and property, especially as the region approaches the peak of the rainy season.
The Minister delivered the warning during a town hall meeting organised by the Effia-Kwesimintsim Municipal Assembly (EKMA) in Effiakuma, where local authorities accounted to residents for development projects undertaken over the past year.
The event, chaired by Municipal Chief Executive Abdul-Majeed Dokurgu, brought together traditional leaders, religious leaders, departmental heads and residents to discuss governance and development issues in the municipality.
Mr. Nelson noted that several communities in the region have already experienced flooding following heavy rains, stressing the need for stricter enforcement of planning regulations to prevent further damage.
He emphasized that building on waterways and Ramsar sites is prohibited by law and warned that any structure found in such locations would be pulled down, regardless of whether local assemblies had acted on it.
According to him, the practice of ignoring approved planning regulations cannot continue, as it poses a serious threat to public safety and sustainable urban development.
“Business as usual will not be countenanced any longer,” he said, adding that decisive action is necessary to prevent avoidable disasters.
The Minister also called on traditional leaders to support government efforts by ensuring that land use decisions within their jurisdictions comply with planning laws and environmental regulations.
He stressed that collaboration between local authorities and community leadership is essential in addressing illegal developments and reducing the risk of recurring flood incidents in the region.
