President John Dramani Mahama has issued a strong warning against the illegal construction of buildings in waterways and protected lands, vowing to take decisive action to curb the annual flooding crisis in Ghana.

At the 2025 National Eid-ul-Fitr celebration at Black Star Square, President John Dramani Mahama condemned the alarming rise in land encroachment, which has led to severe flooding and property damage. He highlighted the illegal construction of buildings in waterways as a major contributor to these disasters.

Addressing the issue, Mahama stated, “I must address a deeply troubling issue—the illegal construction of buildings in waterways, causing flooding and extensive destruction of property.” With the rainy season approaching, the President noted that flooding had already begun in some areas due to blocked rivers and drainage systems caused by unauthorized developments.

The President particularly criticized private developers and certain chiefs for their role in converting protected Ramsar sites into built-up areas, deeming these actions reckless and dangerous.

“Let me be clear, this must stop. Those structures will be pulled down, and we will not allow a few selfish individuals to endanger the lives and livelihoods of countless others,” President Mahama warned.

He assured Ghanaians that his government would take decisive action against those violating urban planning regulations. The President emphasized that demolition exercises would be carried out without exception and that those responsible would be held accountable for their actions.

“The law will be enforced, and those who flout it will face the consequences,” he declared.

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