Ghana's Minister of Works, Housing and Water Resources, Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, has issued a strong warning to individuals and developers encroaching on watercourses, declaring that the government will soon move to demolish such structures and sanction offenders. The minister made the remarks during a press briefing in Accra on May 5, 2026, according to local media reports.
Adjei emphasized that unauthorized construction on waterways exacerbates flooding and poses risks to communities. He stated that the government has identified several illegal structures and will take enforcement action, including demolition and legal penalties, to protect water bodies and public safety.
The warning comes amid growing concerns about urban flooding in Ghana, particularly in the capital Accra, where poor drainage and encroachment on natural water channels have been linked to recent flood events. The minister urged developers to obtain proper permits and avoid building on designated watercourses.
No specific timeline for the demolitions was provided, but Adjei said the government is finalizing a list of affected properties and will communicate details soon. The Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources is expected to coordinate with local authorities and the Ghana Water Company Limited to enforce the regulations.
