The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, has vowed to demolish illegal structures blocking waterways and drainage channels, following three deadly incidents that hit the capital on Wednesday, June 3, 2026.
Ocloo announced the crackdown Thursday, June 4 in a statement saying Accra “will no longer be a sanctuary for indiscipline.”
The move comes after the collapse of a multi-storey building at Adentan New Site in the La Nkwantanag Madina municipality, a devastating fire outbreak within the Central Business District, and widespread flooding across parts of the city.
“Many of these incidents could have been prevented through greater compliance with regulations and stronger enforcement of existing laws,” Ocloo explained.
Extending condolences to families who lost loved ones, those injured, and residents whose homes, businesses and livelihoods were affected, the Minister called the June 3 tragedies “painful reminders” of the challenges confronting Accra.
She blamed “unauthorized developments, indiscriminate waste disposal, encroachment on waterways, disregard for planning regulations and weak enforcement mechanisms” for undermining efforts to build a safe, orderly and resilient capital.
In a rare admission, Ocloo said government agencies shared blame. “Responsibility does not rest solely with members of the public.
“We must also acknowledge that lapses in oversight and enforcement within some public institutions have contributed to these challenges,” she said.
Through the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council (GARCC), Ocloo said government will immediately implement six measures to improve public safety and protect lives and property.
A multi-agency inspection will audit ongoing and recently completed multi-storey developments across the region.
Buildings found to be in breach of approved permits, structural requirements, or safety regulations will face the appropriate legal and administrative actions.
Working with Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, enforcement will be intensified to remove unauthorized structures located within waterways, drainage reservations, road reservations, green belts, and other public spaces.
Ocloo said these interventions are necessary to improve drainage systems, reduce flooding and protect public infrastructure.
All developers, property owners, and land users were reminded of their obligation to comply with planning, building, and environmental regulations.
Enforcement agencies have been directed to strengthen compliance monitoring and take firm action against violations.
The GARCC will also tighten its oversight responsibility through the Regional Spatial Planning Committee for effective development control at the district level.
New measures will be introduced to strengthen sanitation enforcement, eliminate indiscriminate dumping of waste, and promote responsible environmental practices throughout the region.
Ocloo said maintaining a clean environment remains critical to reducing flood risks and safeguarding public health.
Mechanisms will be strengthened to enable residents to report illegal developments, environmental violations, and suspected misconduct by public officials.
Effective governance, she noted, requires active collaboration between government institutions and the communities they serve.
Ocloo vowed the measures would be applied “consistently without fear or favour.”
“The objective is clear: to build a safer, cleaner, more orderly and more resilient region where regulations are respected and public safety is protected,” she stated.
She called on residents, developers, landlords, traders, transport operators, traditional authorities, faith-based organizations, and public officials to support the crackdown.
“The future of Greater Accra depends on our collective commitment to discipline, responsibility and respect for the rule of law.
“Accra belongs to all of us. Together, we must build a city that is safe, orderly, environmentally responsible and fit for future generations,” Ocloo said.
“The time for compliance, accountability and responsible citizenship is now,” she added.
