The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Madam Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, has reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to enforcing planning regulations and safeguarding waterways and Ramsar sites across the region.

Speaking on Class 91.3 FM's Morning Show hosted by Kwsame Dwumour Agyemang, she warned that illegal constructions will face demolition regardless of the costs involved.

According to Madam Ocloo, encroachment on protected areas is a long-standing issue, with some developers knowingly constructing buildings in unauthorised zones despite being aware of the legal consequences.

She described recent demolitions as “painful but necessary,” noting that several affected structures were multi-storey buildings and churches that represented significant financial investments.

The Minister revealed that investigations indicate some developers obtained permits under previous administrations for areas that are now recognised as restricted, stressing that Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) under her supervision understand that issuing permits for construction in waterways or Ramsar sites attracts serious sanctions.

Hon. Ocloo also highlighted the role of traditional land custodians in the problem.

She explained that when developers receive backing from chiefs, they often assume the land is suitable for development.

To address this, the Regional Coordinating Council has begun engaging traditional authorities to clearly demarcate boundaries and designate “no-go zones” to prevent further loss of life.

On the local government level, the Minister acknowledged gaps in monitoring and enforcement, noting that some illegal activities occur without regional oversight.

While planning officers, engineers, and Assemblies are mandated to enforce by-laws, some agencies operate independently, complicating coordination.

Nevertheless, she emphasised that the Regional Minister holds overall responsibility for peace, security, and lawful administration.

Hon. Ocloo also addressed land disputes, citing an emergency meeting convened earlier to manage tensions between Nungua and Teshie.

The disputed area was temporarily declared a security zone to maintain calm.

Regarding accountability, she rejected claims that officials facilitating illegal developments go unpunished.

Several officers have been asked to step aside pending investigations, and others have been transferred as part of a broader effort to correct entrenched irregularities, although she admitted that transfers alone are insufficient without thorough probes.

Turning to infrastructure, the Minister updated the public on streetlight installations across the region.

She said about 80 percent of procured streetlights have been installed, while the remaining 20 percent, retrieved from Assemblies that failed to comply with installation directives, will be directly installed in needy communities.

She noted theft as a key challenge affecting the project and revealed that two companies involved in the illegal trade of streetlights have been shut down, with further investigations ongoing.

Concluding her interview, Hon. Ocloo assured residents that her administration will continue to take bold actions to enforce the law, protect public safety, and ensure orderly and sustainable development throughout the Greater Accra Region.