Accra: Mrs. Gifty Ofori-Yeboah, the Chief Executive Officer of Eco Impact Network, has called for strict sanctions against public officials who knowingly approve illegal developments in waterways and flood-prone areas, exposing communities to avoidable disasters.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mrs. Ofori-Yeboah, who is also an environmentalist, emphasized that experts responsible for building approvals and environmental regulation should face suspension, dismissal, or prosecution depending on the severity of their misconduct. She highlighted the critical role public officials play in safeguarding lives, property, and the environment by enforcing planning and environmental laws to the fullest extent.
In her interview, Mrs. Ofori-Yeboah stressed that negligence or abuse of office leading to loss of lives, destruction of property, or displacement of residents must result in officials being held personally accountable under the law. She asserted that accountability would bolster public confidence in state institutions and deter corruption and negligence in the building permit approval process. She noted that flooding in Ghana is not solely caused by heavy rainfall, but is exacerbated by poor environmental management, weak enforcement of planning regulations, and indiscriminate human activities.
Mrs. Ofori-Yeboah pointed out that poor sanitation is a major contributor to urban flooding, citing that the disposal of refuse into drains and gutters leads to blockages, impeding the free flow of stormwater during heavy rainfall and resulting in flooding. She urged households, businesses, and market operators to adopt responsible waste disposal practices and engage in regular community sanitation activities to maintain waste-free drainage systems.
The CEO acknowledged that inadequate drainage infrastructure also plays a role in flooding but emphasized that engineering designs should be informed by scientific assessments of rainfall intensity, water flow, and future climate conditions. She stressed that bridges, culverts, and drainage channels should be built with sufficient capacity to handle the increasing runoff volumes associated with rapid urbanization and changing weather patterns. Despite existing planning and environmental regulations, weak enforcement has allowed many illegal structures to persist in waterways.
Mrs. Ofori-Yeboah advocated for consistent enforcement of these laws, stating it would significantly reduce the frequency and severity of flood disasters while safeguarding investments in public infrastructure. She recommended that authorities reward individuals and communities demonstrating exemplary environmental stewardship and impose appropriate penalties on those who deliberately violate sanitation and planning regulations.
She concluded by calling for a balanced approach that encourages responsible behavior and fosters a culture of environmental compliance across the country. Mrs. Ofori-Yeboah appealed to government agencies and community members to collaborate in safeguarding waterways and enforcing planning regulations without fear or favor.