STRUCTURES illegally erected within waterways or that pose an immediate danger to public safety and flood mitigation efforts may be removed where necessary, the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has served notice.
The exercise, the Armed Forces said, would be carried out in line with applicable laws and on the directives of the appropriate civil authorities.
This was made known at the Presidency in Accra on Friday by the Director General of Joint Operations at the GAF, Brigadier General Okae-Yeboah.
“Owners and occupiers of structures located within waterways, drainage reservations and other environmentally sensitive areas are further urged to cooperate with the relevant authorities to facilitate the execution of this critical national assignment,” Bridadier General Okae-Yeboah who leads the National Post-Flood Mitigation Task Force urged.
The notice comes on the back of the June 28 devastating flood which is partly blamed on the erection of structures in waterways.
According to Brigadier General Okae-Yeboah, the nationwide clean-up and recovery exercise would focus on restoring public safety, improving sanitation, and preventing secondary disasters such as outbreaks of cholera, typhoid, and other waterborne diseases.
He said apart from the demolishing of illegal structures, particular attention would be given to the removal of refuse, silt, fallen trees, abandoned vehicles, collapsed structures and other debris obstructing roads, bridges, drains and waterways.
As part of the operation, the Ghana Armed Forces would deploy personnel, engineers and specialised equipment to clear major drains, streams, rivers and other critical waterways, he added.
Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies have also been directed to organise and lead clean-up exercises within their respective jurisdictions in support of the national operation to complement those of the Ghana Armed Forces and other security agencies to ensure that all affected communities receive the required attention, he said.
“The public is advised that portions of some roads may experience temporary traffic diversions or restricted access while clean-up and engineering works are underway.
“Residents are therefore urged to fully cooperate with personnel on the ground and to comply with all traffic management and safety instructions issued by the security agencies,” he advised.
Brigadier General Okae-Yeboah assured that Government remains committed to ensuring that all actions undertaken during the exercise were carried out professionally, humanely, and in accordance with Ghana’s laws.
“The success of this exercise depends on the collective efforts of Government, local authorities, the security services, the private sector, civil society organisations and every citizen. It is through this shared effort that we will restore our communities, protect lives and build a cleaner, safer and more resilient Ghana.”
BY JULIUS YAO PETETSI
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