NPP Chair Hopeful Dr. Sammy Crabbe: Prosecute Officials Who Approve Buildings on Flood-Prone Areas

New Patriotic Party National Chairman hopeful Dr. Sammy Crabbe has expressed deep disappointment over the recurring floods in Ghana, particularly in Greater Accra, and called for immediate action against officials who approve construction on waterways and Ramsar sites.

*Speaking in an interview with Rainbow Radio 87.5FM Parliamentary Correspondent Bohyeba K. Afriye in Parliament,* Dr. Crabbe said the root cause of the flooding crisis must be tackled head-on.

“Something must be done immediately to help fight the menace. The problem is, people are being given permits to build on Ramsar sites and flood-prone areas and it must be stopped by authorities.”

The former NPP National Vice Chairman called for severe sanctions against both developers and officials. “I call for severe punishment for anyone found building on waterways because Ghanaians are stubborn. Those who give the permits must also face the law,” he said.

Dr. Crabbe insisted that enforcement must target all forms of approval. “Those who give permits, both orally or formally, must be aware that the country's laws don't allow that to be done. Authorities and everybody must do their best to stop flooding in Ghana.”

“To me, we must tackle the root cause of this flooding issue in the country,” he added.

Dr. Crabbe’s comments come after President John Dramani Mahama directed the flood taskforce of the National Disaster Management Organisation, NADMO, and other relevant state agencies to prepare a comprehensive presentation on Ghana’s flooding situation.

The directive follows recent flooding across parts of the country, especially Accra. According to the President, the presentation will help government identify critical flood-prone areas, including restricted waterways, and inform both immediate and long-term interventions.