Ghana orders demolition of illegal waterfront structures to curb Accra flooding

Kofi Amekor, head of drainage at the Ghana Hydrological Authority, appealed to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to stop supplying power to buildings constructed on waterways and wetlands, arguing that electricity connections legitimise illegal development and exacerbate flooding.

Minister of Works, Housing and Water Resources Kenneth Gilbert Adjei announced a demolition exercise targeting unauthorised structures along Accra’s waterways. Occupants were urged to evacuate before the task force, set up by the President, dismantles the buildings to restore natural drainage pathways. The move follows severe floods caused by the Odaw River overflowing, which blocked bridges such as Dome, Alogboshie and Achimota‑Abofu and left communities stranded.

Both officials highlighted that illegal construction, waste dumping and lack of permits obstruct water flow, increasing flood risk during the rainy season. The government pledged tighter enforcement and coordination among state agencies to reduce future flood damage.