The President, John Dramani Mahama, has vowed to demolish buildings that block waterways to prevent flooding.
According to him, he is aware of cases where private businesses, in collaboration with some chiefs, have turned water retention areas and Ramsar sites into built-up zones. He cautioned that this must stop.
Speaking at the Eid-ul-Fitr celebration at Independence Square on 31st March, 2025, President Mahama stated that illegal construction in waterways is causing flooding and massive destruction of property.
He noted that as the rainy season approaches, floods have already started because people have built on and blocked rivers.
He warned that if this continues, those structures will be demolished.
“The illegal construction of buildings in waterways is causing flooding and extensive destruction of property. As we know, the rains are about to start, and we are already seeing flooding because people have built and blocked rivers. As a result, the water has nowhere to go but to back up.”
“Let me be clear, this must stop. Those structures will be pulled down. We will not allow a few selfish individuals to endanger the lives and livelihoods of countless others.”
The government will not allow a few selfish individuals to endanger the lives and livelihoods of many others.
He added that the law will be enforced, and those who violate it will face the consequences.
President Mahama also addressed the youth, saying that the future of the country is in their hands.
He emphasized that in this era of digital transformation, economic challenges, and global competition, young people must equip themselves with the skills and discipline needed to succeed.
He urged them to let their faith guide them but also to use education and hard work as tools to build a brighter future.
President Mahama stressed that while it is important to be a faithful Muslim, it is equally important to be an educated Muslim.
