Urban planning expert warns against unchecked construction on hills, citing environmental disaster risks

He warned that indiscriminate clearing of vegetation on hills for housing exposes communities to mudflows, landslides, and severe erosion, especially with intensifying rainfall, creating conditions for a major environmental disaster. Prof. Oteng-Ababio cautioned that continued development on hills like Aburi, Bortianor, and McCarthy ranges without proper planning poses a serious threat, as vegetation removal leaves topsoil vulnerable to erosion. He highlighted that many hills being developed are near earthquake fault zones, increasing risks.

He also noted that between 92 and 95 percent of some hilly landscapes in Accra are unsuitable for residential development, yet construction persists. Prof. Oteng-Ababio stated that perennial flooding in Accra is exacerbated by the destruction of hillsides and wetlands, as vegetation removal accelerates stormwater runoff and silt from degraded slopes clogs drains. He attributed the problem to weak enforcement of planning regulations and poor coordination among land administration institutions.

He called for stricter enforcement of planning laws, restoration of degraded hilltops and wetlands, and sanctions against officials who approve developments in environmentally sensitive areas.