The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Hon. Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, has announced a series of sweeping measures aimed at strengthening compliance with planning regulations, improving public safety, and enhancing urban governance following a series of tragic incidents that struck the capital on June 3, 2026.
In a press release issued on Thursday June 3, 2026, the Minister described the collapse of a multi-storey building at Adenta New Site, a devastating fire outbreak in Accra’s Central Business District, and widespread flooding across parts of the region as painful reminders of the challenges confronting the capital city.
Expressing condolences to families who lost loved ones, injured victims, and individuals whose homes and businesses were affected, Hon. Ocloo stressed that many of the incidents could have been avoided through greater adherence to regulations and more effective enforcement of existing laws.
“For far too long, unauthorized developments, indiscriminate waste disposal, encroachment on waterways, disregard for planning regulations and weak enforcement mechanisms have undermined efforts to build a safe, orderly and resilient capital,” she stated.
The Minister acknowledged that responsibility for the situation extends beyond the public, noting that lapses in oversight and enforcement by some state institutions have also contributed to the challenges. She pledged to ensure greater accountability and professionalism within public institutions across the region.
To address the growing concerns, the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council (GARCC) is set to implement several immediate interventions.
Among them is a comprehensive audit of ongoing and recently completed multi-storey developments across the region. The exercise, which will involve multiple agencies, will assess compliance with approved permits, structural standards and safety requirements.
Buildings found to be in violation of regulations could face legal and administrative sanctions. The government will also intensify efforts to remove unauthorized structures built within waterways, drainage channels, road reservations, green belts and other public spaces.
According to the Minister, the move is intended to improve drainage systems, reduce flooding risks and protect critical public infrastructure.
In addition, enforcement agencies have been directed to strengthen monitoring of planning, building and environmental regulations, with developers, property owners and land users being reminded of their legal obligations.
Hon. Ocloo further announced plans to strengthen oversight through the Regional Spatial Planning Committee to ensure more effective development control at the district level.
The measures will also include stricter sanitation enforcement aimed at curbing indiscriminate waste disposal and promoting responsible environmental practices to reduce flood risks and protect public health.
As part of efforts to improve accountability, mechanisms will be enhanced to allow residents to report illegal developments, environmental violations and suspected misconduct by public officials.
The Regional Minister assured residents that the measures would be enforced consistently and without favouritism.
“The objective is clear: to build a safer, cleaner, more orderly and more resilient region where regulations are respected and public safety is protected,” she said.
Calling for collective responsibility, Hon. Ocloo urged residents, developers, landlords, traders, transport operators, traditional leaders, faith-based organisations and public officials to support the government’s efforts.
She concluded with a strong warning that Greater Accra would no longer tolerate lawlessness and non-compliance.
“Accra will no longer be a sanctuary for indiscipline. The time for compliance, accountability and responsible citizenship is now,” the Minister declared.
Source: Mavis Fantevi
