All illegal structures to be demolished in GAF’s post-flood cleanup

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) will spearhead a nationwide post-flood recovery and cleanup exercise following the devastating floods of June 29, 2026, with authorities warning that structures illegally erected on waterways and drainage channels could be demolished as part of the operation.

Addressing the media on Friday, July 3, 2026, the Director General of Joint Operations of the Ghana Armed Forces, Brigadier General Forster Okae-Yeboah, said the military had been tasked with coordinating the nationwide exercise under the government's broader flood mitigation programme.

"The exercise will involve the deployment of military personnel, engineers and heavy equipment to clear drains, rivers, streams, and other waterways obstructed by debris, silt, fallen trees and collapsed structures," Brigadier General Okae-Yeboah said.

He added that beyond clearing drainage systems, the operation would restore access to roads and other critical infrastructure damaged by the floods, while supporting sanitation and public health officials tackle situations that could lead to outbreaks of diseases such as cholera and typhoid.

The exercise will be carried out in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana National Fire Service, the Ghana Health Service, the Environmental Protection Agency, and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies.

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As part of the intervention, authorities indicated that illegal structures will be demolished.

"Structures erected within waterways and drainage corridors that pose a threat to flood management efforts may be demolished in line with applicable laws and directives from civil authorities," he stated.

Residents in flood-affected communities have been urged to cooperate with security agencies and comply with traffic management and safety instructions, as temporary road diversions are expected in some areas during the cleanup exercise.

Officials further assured the public that the nationwide operation would be conducted professionally and in accordance with Ghana's laws.

The government says the exercise forms part of a broader flood resilience strategy, aimed at improving drainage infrastructure, strengthening early warning systems and enforcing environmental and physical planning regulations to reduce the impact of future flooding.

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Brig Gen Okae-Yeboah calls for collective action to tackle Ghana's flood crisis

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