By Ghana News 
Accra will no longer serve as a sanctuary for indiscipline as the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council launches a strict enforcement drive. Greater Accra Regional Minister Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo announced this move to combat illegal developments and environmental violations across the capital.
This decisive action follows a series of tragic events that struck the city on June 3, 2026. These incidents included a deadly building collapse in the La Nkwantanang-Madina Municipality, a major fire outbreak in the Central Business District, and widespread flooding.
Authorities believe many of these disasters were entirely preventable through better adherence to planning regulations. The Regional Coordinating Council identified unauthorised developments, waterway encroachment, and indiscriminate waste disposal as primary drivers of these crises.
A specialized multi-agency team will now conduct a comprehensive audit of all multi-storey buildings in the region. Any structures found violating approved permits or basic safety standards will face immediate legal and administrative sanctions. The council also plans to aggressively remove structures built within waterways, drainage channels, and road reservations. This cleanup effort will involve close collaboration between the regional body and all metropolitan, municipal, and district assemblies.
Residents and developers must now strictly comply with all existing building and environmental laws. The Regional Spatial Planning Committee will oversee these development control processes to prevent further regulatory lapses.
Tighter enforcement of sanitation rules will also take center stage to help reduce urban flooding caused by blocked drains. The government has promised that these new measures will be implemented consistently and without fear or favour.
To improve oversight, the council is creating better mechanisms for citizens to report illegal developments and misconduct by public officials. This initiative encourages transparency and community participation in maintaining public safety. The Regional Coordinating Council is calling on traditional authorities, faith-based groups, and business leaders to support this vision. Their goal is to transform the capital into a cleaner, safer, and more resilient city for everyone.
With these reforms, Accra aims to end the era of weak enforcement that has allowed hazardous conditions to persist for too long. Authorities are now moving forward to ensure that public safety remains the top priority in urban planning.
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Source: ghananewspage.com