The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, Elikem Kotoko, has called for the immediate demolition of all illegal structures obstructing waterways, insisting that government must not allow fears of political backlash to undermine efforts to prevent future flood disasters.
He insists that authorities must enforce planning and environmental laws without fear or favour, arguing that no political cost can justify the continued loss of lives caused by preventable flooding.
“There is no greater political consequence than losing the lives of people,” he said, urging government to act decisively against individuals who have illegally built on waterways, wetlands, and other environmentally sensitive areas.
He noted that while the removal of unauthorised structures may attract criticism, protecting human life must always take precedence over political calculations.
He called for a comprehensive review of Ghana’s building codes, stressing that poor planning, indiscriminate construction, and unsafe sewage disposal systems continue to worsen flooding and expose communities to outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as cholera.
Drawing from personal experience, Mr. Kotoko revealed that he was among the victims of the devastating June 3, 2015 floods, losing products worth nearly US$197,000 before the Circle disaster.
He said that experience gave him a deeper appreciation of the trauma flood victims endure, explaining that even the loss of what may appear to be a modest investment can destroy livelihoods and push affected persons into emotional distress.
“Someone may lose only a few thousand cedis, but that may represent everything they have worked for. You cannot understand that pain unless you have lived through it,” he said.
Mr. Kotoko urged government to treat the recent floods as a turning point by enforcing planning laws, strengthening urban development standards, and ensuring that illegal developments are removed before they claim more innocent lives.
