The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enforcing planning regulations and tackling illegal developments that contribute to flooding across the region.
The assurance follows an emergency stakeholder meeting held earlier on Monday to discuss strategies for preventing and mitigating flooding after recent heavy rains affected several communities in the Ashanti Region.
As part of the exercise, Dr Amoakohene led a joint inspection tour of major flood-prone locations alongside officials from the affected Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), staff of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), and the Spatial Planning Department.
The inspection revealed widespread encroachment on waterways and riverbanks through unauthorized construction activities and indiscriminate land filling, practices that experts say are significantly worsening flood risks in many parts of the region.
According to the Minister, such developments obstruct the natural flow of water, reduce drainage capacity and expose residents to avoidable disasters during periods of heavy rainfall.
“Our assessment confirmed disturbing levels of encroachment on critical waterways and riverbanks. These illegal activities not only undermine environmental sustainability but also put lives and properties at risk,” Dr Amoakohene stated.
He stressed that authorities would intensify monitoring and enforcement measures to ensure strict compliance with planning regulations and environmental protection laws.
The Minister warned developers and landowners against constructing buildings within watercourses and designated flood zones, describing such actions as illegal and dangerous.
“Development must be responsible, lawful and environmentally sustainable. We will not relent in taking the necessary actions to protect our communities from preventable disasters,” he emphasized.
Dr Amoakohene further called on residents, traditional authorities, property developers and local assemblies to work together in safeguarding rivers, streams and drainage channels across the region.
He noted that preserving natural waterways was essential not only for flood prevention but also for protecting public infrastructure, livelihoods and the environment.
The Regional Minister urged the public to report illegal developments and activities that obstruct waterways, adding that collective responsibility was crucial in building resilient communities capable of withstanding the effects of extreme weather events.
The latest intervention forms part of broader efforts by the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council to strengthen disaster preparedness and reduce the devastating impact of flooding on communities across the region.
