GA Mantse Demands Prosecution of Chiefs Selling Waterway Lands

GA Mantse King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II has called for chiefs who sell land in waterways and flood-prone zones to be arrested and prosecuted.

The traditional ruler made the demand on Thursday, May 28, while touring communities affected by flooding after the Weija Dam spillage. The flooding submerged houses and shops, forcing many residents to flee with their belongings.

Speaking to the media, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II blamed some traditional leaders for worsening the perennial flooding. He said allocating waterways and green belts for private development was fueling the problem and should not go unpunished.

“Chiefs who are selling lands in flood-prone areas and places that are supposed to remain green areas must be held accountable,” he said.

The Ga Mantse urged government agencies, the Greater Accra Regional Minister, and MMDAs to strictly enforce building regulations and environmental by-laws. He said structures on waterways must be removed to prevent future disasters.

“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 stated.

While admitting demolitions would be painful for affected families, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II said enforcement was necessary to 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, has begun evacuating residents from the worst-hit areas to safe havens.