Accra Floods: Six wetlands set for demolition to curb flooding

Government, through the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources, has announced plans to reclaim six wetlands in Accra through the demolition of structures built on them as part of efforts to reduce perennial flooding in the capital.

The move follows Monday’s devastating floods, which claimed 10 lives, affected 7,761 households and displaced thousands of residents across parts of the Greater Accra Region.

Speaking in Parliament, Deputy Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, Gizella Tetteh-Agbotui, said the wetlands must be restored to their original purpose as natural flood retention areas.

She noted that years of illegal development on these lands have weakened their ability to absorb excess rainwater, resulting in faster surface runoff and worsening floods whenever there is heavy rainfall.

The Deputy Minister warned that all unauthorised structures on the affected wetlands would be removed, urging those who acquired such lands to seek redress from the individuals who sold them.

She said reclaiming the wetlands, enforcing demolition exercises, and securing sustainable funding for flood control measures are key components of the government’s long-term plan to strengthen Accra’s resilience against flooding and safeguard lives and property.