Unauthorized buildings along the banks of Tesa Dam and Legon Boundary Road are demolished by a post-flood mitigation task force

The post-flood mitigation task force has commenced demolition of unauthorized structures along the banks of Tesa Dam and Legon Boundary Road. The clearance exercise, which started on Friday, July 24, 2026, follows extensive assessment tours after heavy June 29 floods hit communities across the Greater Accra Region.

Demolishing illegal buildings obstructing natural waterways gives local residents real hope for permanent flood prevention across the East Legon catchment area.

Works, Housing and Water Resources Minister Gilbert Adjei emphasized that unauthorized structures on wetlands and improper waste disposal directly trigger severe flooding. President John Dramani Mahama directed the task force to clear all obstruction points and desilt drainage channels to hold storm runoff safely.

Commanding Officer of the 48 Engineer Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Frank Osei Amponsah, confirmed that residents received a three-week notice to evacuate before demolition teams moved in. Sustaining these enforcement efforts throughout the year will finally safeguard lives and property along the busy Accra-Tema Motorway enclave.

To back these field operations with solid financial resources, the Ministry of Finance credited GH¢350 million into the dedicated National Disaster Management Committee account at the Bank of Ghana. Parliament approved this emergency release from the national Contingency Fund to implement the comprehensive National Emergency Flood Response Programme.

The government allocated GH¢200 million for urgent relief supplies to affected disaster victims, while GH¢150 million directly funds critical flood mitigation projects. Releasing these funds guarantees rapid emergency response while building durable drainage infrastructure across high-risk Ghanaian communities.

Clearing illegal structures and expanding river channels protects urban neighborhood investments from continuous seasonal destruction. However, local residents must also take personal responsibility by stopping illegal dumping in open gutters and respecting town planning laws.

Collaborating with state engineers and honoring municipal zoning rules keeps our cities clean, dry, and secure during heavy downpours. Combining strict enforcement with community discipline will permanently end flood nightmares for every Ghanaian family.

Also Read: The Story Behind Kantamanto’s Flood-Free Season