The government has announced plans to demolish structures built on six wetlands in Accra as part of efforts to reduce perennial flooding in the capital.
The initiative, to be carried out through the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources, follows the devastating floods on June 29, 2026, which claimed 10 lives, affected 7,761 households and displaced thousands of residents across parts of the Greater Accra Region.
Speaking in Parliament, Deputy Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, Gizella Tetteh-Agbotui, said the wetlands would be reclaimed to restore their natural function as flood retention areas.
According to her, years of illegal development on the wetlands have significantly reduced their capacity to absorb excess rainwater, resulting in increased surface runoff and more severe flooding during heavy rains.
The Deputy Minister warned that all unauthorised structures on the affected wetlands would be demolished and advised those who purchased such lands to seek compensation from the individuals who sold them.
She said the reclamation of the wetlands, the demolition of illegal structures and the provision of sustainable funding for flood control projects form part of the government’s long-term strategy to improve Accra’s resilience to flooding and protect lives and property.
