Accra residents given 21 days to leave Kpeshie Lagoon buffer zone

Residents living within the buffer zone of Ghana's Kpeshie Lagoon in Accra have been given 21 days to leave or face forced eviction.

The Greater Accra Regional Security Council (REGSEC) says structures built within the protected area at Laboma Beach will be demolished as part of efforts to reduce flooding in the capital.

Regional Minister Linda Ocloo announced the ultimatum during an inspection of the area on Friday.

She said authorities had initially planned to begin demolitions immediately, but decided to give residents more time after being told they had not received adequate notice.

"Those whose buildings fall within the buffer zone should either demolish them themselves within the period or REGSEC will return to undertake the demolition exercise," she said.

Authorities say the Kpeshie Lagoon has become heavily silted and that unauthorised construction and waste dumping have further restricted the waterway.

The planned demolition is intended to clear obstructions and restore the lagoon's drainage capacity.

The action follows wider efforts by the authorities to reclaim waterways and clear illegal structures after severe flooding in parts of Accra on 29 June.

REGSEC has also been monitoring drainage and clean-up operations across the Greater Accra Region.

Ms Ocloo said the government was determined to enforce planning regulations and prevent buildings from obstructing waterways.

"We want to create the buffer like we said," she said, adding that clearing the area would help reduce the risk of further flooding.