Prosecute chiefs selling lands in waterways — Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II

The Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, has called for the arrest and prosecution of chiefs allegedly involved in the sale of lands along waterways and other flood-prone areas.

He made the call on Thursday, May 28, during a tour of flood-hit communities following the spillage of the Weija Dam, which has left several homes and shops submerged and forced residents to evacuate their belongings.

Speaking to journalists, the Ga Mantse said some traditional leaders are contributing to the recurring flooding problem by allocating lands designated as waterways and green belts for private development.

He stressed that such actions must not go unpunished.

“Chiefs who are selling lands in flood-prone areas and places that are supposed to remain green areas must be held accountable,” he said.

King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II also called for strict enforcement of building regulations and environmental by-laws to prevent future flooding disasters in affected communities.

While acknowledging the hardship that may come with demolishing structures erected in unauthorised areas, he insisted that enforcement was necessary to protect lives and property.

“We believe that everything is on course. What we are asking is that government agencies, the Regional Minister, and the MMDAs enforce the by-laws. Nobody should be allowed to build in waterways. If it is wrong, it is wrong, and we have to deal with it,” he said.

“Demolitions are painful, and I sympathise with those affected, but we will have to enforce the laws because these situations continue to cause loss of life,” he added.

Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) says evacuation processes have commenced to move affected residents to safe havens