Weija-Gbawe MCE vows to take tough action against waterway encroachers

Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Weija-Gbawe, Felix Odartey Lamptey, has warned that authorities will take firm action against individuals selling lands in waterways and flood-prone areas following the recent flooding caused by the spillage of the Weija Dam.

Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem on May 29, 2026, the MCE expressed concern over the increasing construction of buildings in waterlogged areas, saying the situation continues to worsen flooding during heavy rains.

“When people are buying land, they should know that these are waterlogged areas, yet they still go ahead to build there. The dam was created so that water can pass through,” he said.

'We were not given prior notice' - Weija-Gbawe MCE on dam spillage

He criticised persons who sell such lands to unsuspecting buyers, stating that they should be ashamed of their actions.

“Those who sold those lands should bow their heads in shame for selling to people,” he added.

Lamptey called for collective action from all stakeholders, including traditional leaders, to prevent a repeat of the destruction experienced in affected communities.

“I am calling on all stakeholders to be part of this and not allow this to happen again, just as the Ga Mantse has said,” he noted.

He also warned residents living close to waterways and flood-prone zones not to assume they are safe simply because water levels have started receding.

“Even if the water goes down, those staying around those areas should not think they are safe,” he cautioned.

According to the MCE, the Assembly is prepared to adopt strict measures to address the situation and reduce future flooding incidents.

“We are going to be radical about it so this will not happen again,” he stressed.

“It’s not about demolition for demolition’s sake, but we all have a role in what is happening,” he added.

Lamptey further urged the public not to politicise the flooding crisis, stressing that the suffering of residents should remain the primary concern.

“I don’t want to see this again in my constituency where people suffer whenever it rains heavily. This is not the time for sensationalism,” he added.

His comments come shortly after the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, called for the arrest and prosecution of chiefs involved in the sale of lands situated on waterways and wetlands.

Several homes and shops in parts of Weija-Gbawe were submerged after the recent spillage of the Weija Dam, leaving many residents displaced and counting their losses.

NA/VPO