Greater Accra Regional Minister Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo has announced a series of tough regulatory and enforcement measures following the recent building collapse at Adenta, extensive flooding in parts of Accra, and a major fire outbreak in the Central Business District.

In a statement issued on June 4, the Minister said the incidents highlight the urgent need for stronger adherence to building regulations, spatial planning requirements, and environmental laws across the capital.

She warned that authorities will no longer tolerate acts of indiscipline that compromise public safety and undermine urban development efforts.

The Regional Minister expressed condolences to families who lost relatives in the disasters and sympathised with residents and business owners whose properties and livelihoods were affected.

According to Ms Ocloo, the recent tragedies reflect longstanding challenges linked to unauthorised developments, poor waste management practices, encroachment on waterways, and weak enforcement of existing regulations.

She acknowledged that while individuals and developers bear responsibility for some of these challenges, shortcomings within certain public institutions have also contributed to the situation.

To address the problem, the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council (GARCC) will immediately commence a region-wide inspection of ongoing and recently completed multi-storey buildings.

The exercise will involve multiple state agencies and is expected to assess compliance with approved building permits, structural integrity requirements, and safety standards.

The Minister indicated that developers found to have breached planning regulations or construction requirements will face the appropriate legal and administrative sanctions.

Authorities will also intensify efforts to remove structures erected on waterways, drainage corridors, road reservations, green zones, and other protected public lands.

She explained that the initiative is intended to improve the flow of stormwater, minimise flood risks, and safeguard critical infrastructure across the region.

Ms Ocloo further announced that enforcement agencies have been instructed to strengthen monitoring and compliance activities, while the Regional Spatial Planning Committee will enhance supervision of development projects at the district level.

As part of broader efforts to address recurring flooding, the Regional Minister said sanitation enforcement will be strengthened to tackle indiscriminate dumping of refuse, which continues to obstruct drainage systems in many communities.

The government also plans to establish more effective reporting channels to enable residents to report illegal construction activities, environmental offences, and suspected misconduct by public officials.

According to Ms Ocloo, the measures form part of a broader strategy to create a safer, cleaner, and more resilient Greater Accra where regulations are enforced and public safety remains a priority.

She called on developers, landlords, traders, transport operators, traditional authorities, religious leaders, and residents to support the initiative, stressing that sustainable development can only be achieved through collective responsibility and respect for the law.

Investigations into both the Adenta building collapse and the fire outbreak in the Central Business District are currently ongoing.