The King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of chiefs allegedly involved in the sale of lands located in waterways and flood prone areas across parts of Ghana, warning that such practices continue to worsen flooding and endanger lives.
Speaking amid growing concerns over recurring floods in the capital, the Ga Mantse strongly criticised traditional leaders and land actors who facilitate the sale of lands reserved for drainage systems, wetlands and waterways. He argued that the illegal allocation of such lands has contributed significantly to environmental destruction and urban flooding, especially during the rainy season.
According to the Ga Mantse, some chiefs and landowners have ignored planning regulations and sold vulnerable lands for private development despite the known risks. He stressed that accountability must extend beyond developers to include those who originally authorised or facilitated the transactions.
“Chiefs selling lands in waterways must be prosecuted,” the Ga Mantse said, insisting that authorities must take firm action to deter others from engaging in similar activities.
The issue of flooding has remained a major challenge in Accra and surrounding communities for years, with blocked drains, poor planning and unauthorised structures often blamed for worsening the situation. Heavy rains frequently leave homes submerged, roads inaccessible and businesses disrupted, while in severe cases lives are lost.
Environmental experts and urban planners have repeatedly warned that rapid urbanisation and unchecked construction on wetlands and waterways are undermining Ghana’s drainage systems. Many waterways that were originally designed to channel floodwaters have either been encroached upon or completely built over.
The Ga Mantse’s comments come as authorities intensify efforts to address illegal developments and improve flood prevention measures. Government agencies including the National Disaster Management Organisation and local assemblies have in recent years demolished structures in waterways and launched campaigns against indiscriminate building.
Despite these interventions, enforcement has often faced resistance, political interference and legal disputes over land ownership. Some residents and developers argue that they legally acquired lands without knowing they were situated in restricted areas, while others accuse local authorities of failing to enforce planning regulations consistently.
The Ga Mantse emphasized that traditional leaders have a responsibility to protect communal lands and preserve the environment rather than contribute to activities that place communities at risk. He called for closer collaboration between chiefs, city authorities and environmental agencies to ensure responsible land management.
Urban development analysts say prosecuting individuals involved in illegal land sales could send a strong signal and strengthen efforts to combat flooding. However, they also note that lasting solutions will require comprehensive urban planning reforms, stronger enforcement of zoning laws and improved public awareness.
Climate experts have warned that extreme rainfall events are becoming more frequent due to climate change, making flood prevention even more urgent for rapidly growing cities like Accra. They argue that preserving wetlands and waterways is critical to reducing flood risks and protecting infrastructure.
The Ga Mantse’s remarks have already sparked public debate, with many residents supporting calls for tougher action against individuals accused of profiting from unsafe land sales. Others believe authorities must also investigate how permits are approved for developments in environmentally sensitive zones.
As Ghana enters another rainy season, pressure is mounting on both traditional authorities and government agencies to address the root causes of urban flooding before more communities are affected.