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President Mahama clarifies sanctions for officials approving illegal waterway constructions
via GhanaWeb5 min read
President John Dramani Mahama has clarified comments made by Greater Accra Regional Minister Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo regarding sanctions for officials who approve developments on waterways. Mahama stated that officials who issue permits for buildings in areas prone to flooding will be dismissed, not merely transferred to the north, to serve as a deterrent. He explained that his minister misspoke when she suggested transfers as punishment. The President emphasized the need to hold accountable those who sign permits for structures obstructing waterways, noting that some residents blame the government for floods without considering how structures have been allowed to block natural water flow. He also defended the demolition of structures obstructing waterways as necessary to protect lives and property. This clarification follows remarks by Linda Ocloo on May 5, 2026, during a demolition exercise, where she had warned that officials issuing permits for illegal structures could face sanctions, including transfers to the north as a form of punishment.
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