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Ga East Municipal Assembly, NADMO demolish unauthorized structures in Accra to reduce flooding
The Ga East Municipal Assembly, in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), has embarked on an intensive demolition exercise at Haatso and Agbogba to remove unauthorized structures obstructing waterways and drainage channels.
The exercise forms part of efforts by the Assembly to reduce the risk of flooding, improve drainage systems, and ensure the free flow of water within communities under its jurisdiction.
The operation began in the early hours of Wednesday, June 3, with officials from the Assembly and NADMO moving to Atomic Road near Haatso-Atomic First Gate, where they demolished a structure that was still at the foundation stage.
Authorities said the structure had been erected on a waterway and beneath high-tension power lines, posing a threat to lives and property.
Following the demolition at Atomic Road, the team proceeded to parts of Haatso where several wooden and concrete structures built within waterways and drainage channels were pulled down.
Residents in the area largely cooperated with the exercise, and no resistance was recorded during the operation.
The team later moved to Agbogba, where officials encountered some resistance from an elderly woman occupying a structure alleged to have been built on a public pathway.
Despite the opposition, the structure was eventually demolished.
Officials involved in the exercise indicated that several engagements and notices had been issued to the owners of the affected structures before the demolition was carried out.
The Municipal Chief Executive for Ga East, Mr. Edmund Agboh, urged residents and developers to refrain from building on waterways, drainage channels and other unauthorized locations that could obstruct the flow of water.
He noted that indiscriminate construction remains one of the major causes of flooding in many communities and called on residents to support efforts aimed at protecting lives and property during the rainy season.
Mr. Agboh further stressed that the Assembly would continue to enforce planning regulations to ensure orderly development within the municipality.
He advised developers to seek the necessary approvals and permits before undertaking any construction project.
Interacting with the media after the exercise, the Head of Works at the Ga East Municipal Assembly, Engineer Justin Glover, explained that the operation was an enforcement action undertaken in accordance with development control regulations, the National Building Code and the Local Government Act.
He said the Assembly was determined to prevent construction on waterways and would continue removing structures erected in such locations.
According to him, the structure demolished at Atomic Road had been built without a permit and was situated on a waterway that serves as part of a drainage channel carrying water from the Atomic area.
Engineer Glover stated that the developer had been served with several notices by the Assembly but failed to comply with the directives, leaving authorities with no option but to activate enforcement measures.
He explained that the affected land forms part of a public right of way along the Haatso-Atomic Road corridor and that any development in the area must first obtain planning approval and the required clearances.
He further warned that allowing such structures to remain would obstruct storm drains, interfere with flood-control measures and increase the risk of flooding in surrounding communities.
Engineer Glover urged residents and developers to obtain the necessary permits and approvals before commencing any construction, stressing that the Assembly would continue to strictly enforce planning and building regulations to safeguard public safety and protect critical waterways.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Medical Doctor and dietician, Dr Bernice Korkor Asare, has urged women to take greater responsibility for their lifestyle choices, particularly their eating habits and levels of physical activity, to help reduce their risk of developing breast cancer.
According to her, although, some breast cancer risk factors, such as family history and certain reproductive factors, may not be within an individual’s control, lifestyle choices offer an opportunity for people to take preventive action.
She made this known during a talk on the topic: “Role of diet in breast cancer prevention” organised by Times Ladies Association of the New Times Corporation, publishers of The Ghanaian Times and The Spectator, in Accra on Thursday.
The event themed “Breast Cancer Awareness- Promoting Early Detection, Healthy Eating and Prevention.” 
She noted that having a risk factor did not automatically mean a person would develop breast cancer, but could increase the likelihood of developing the disease compared with someone without that particular risk factor.
“Having close relatives who have had breast cancer, particularly a mother, sister or daughter, may increase the risk, although not everyone with a family history will develop the disease,” Dr Asare opined. Read More.
By Adizatu K. Munkaila
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A group of compassionate friends from Innovation Gospel Impact last Friday visited the management, teachers and learners of the Street Academy in Accra.
The visit was to interact to get a deeper insight into the operations of the Academy that houses hundreds of street and underprivileged children and find ways to support them.
The team was led by Rev. Dr Isaac Apenteng Yeboah, a former Director for West African Mailbox Club and Director for Prisons Support Foundation, and Rev. Dale Sutherland from Washington DC.
The call, according to the visitors was occasioned by reports about the struggles of the Academy despite the occasional support it enjoys from individuals and some corporate entities.
Briefing them, the Founder and Executive Director of the Academy, Dr Ataa Lartey, thanked them for the concern showed, indicating that “this is a major boost for both teachers and learners; knowing that their plight is known by people outside their premises.”
According Dr Lartey, the Academy had planned to undertake a number of project to enhance teaching and learning and also procure facilities for the children with keen interest in sports but had to shelve those plans for lack of finance.
He told the team that their biggest concerns were the monthly utility bills that takes a toll on their finances.
“We have a piece of land we planned to turn into an astro turf pitch to train the younger ones whose interests lies in making a career out of football, however, we have been unable to commence because there is no money now,” he said.
Dr Lartey expressed gratitude to the teachers who have dedicated their lives to training these children, rather than going for well-paying jobs and hoped that with time, their conditions of engagement would improve.
Moved by the plight of the Academy, the group donated a cash amount of Gh₵3,000 to settle its water bills.
They described as unfortunate the conditions of learners and teachers of the Academy and pledged to continuously support their operations to realize the dream to build a better future for the unfortunate children.
The group offered to support the school with its monthly utility bills, feeding and staff allowance and urged the Academy staff to remain in constant touch with them.
The Street Academy is located at the Accra Art Center and offers brilliant but needy the chance to pursue their educational dreams by enrolling them in public schools with others offered training in sports and cultural activities.
By Spectator Reporter
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