Cape Coast Metropolitan Chief Executive, George Justice Arthur, has announced a renewed demolition exercise targeting buildings located on waterways, drainage paths and other unauthorised sites, following recent deadly floods in the metropolis.
He said the move has become necessary after successive flooding incidents claimed four lives and exposed the risks posed by ageing structures and poor urban planning in parts of Cape Coast.
Speaking to the media, Mr Arthur said the Assembly had no choice but to take decisive action to prevent further loss of life.
“It’s better I demolish these buildings than allow people to continue living in them and lose their lives,” he stated.
He disclosed that the metropolis has recorded multiple flood-related deaths in recent weeks, including incidents on June 19 and June 21 that collectively claimed four lives.
According to him, the June 19 downpour resulted in the deaths of a two-year-old child and a 37-year-old woman, while another incident at Jejano on June 21 led to the deaths of a 12-year-old girl and a 35-year-old woman.
Mr Arthur noted that several communities continue to struggle with the aftermath of heavy rains, with some buildings collapsing due to age and structural weakness.
He explained that Cape Coast has a significant stock of old and dilapidated structures, some of which are over a century old and highly vulnerable during periods of intense rainfall.
“Some of these structures are 60, 70, even over 100 years old. When there is heavy rainfall, they easily collapse,” he said.
The Mayor revealed that, prior to the recent floods, the Assembly had identified and demolished several unsafe structures after engaging affected property owners and families.
He acknowledged, however, that some residents resisted the exercise due to lack of alternative accommodation.
“Some agreed, others were reluctant because they had nowhere else to go,” he noted.
Mr Arthur further disclosed that about five buildings have already been demolished within the metropolis, while several others were brought down by the recent rains.
He stressed that the Assembly will intensify enforcement against structures built on waterways, drains and road reservations, as well as buildings constructed without permits.
“The Assembly has resolved that any structure on a waterway, drain, or built without permit will be removed. We must take these steps or risk losing more lives,” he said.
He attributed the worsening flooding situation in Cape Coast to indiscipline and human activities, including encroachment on waterways and disregard for planning regulations, which he said have severely worsened drainage conditions in the city.
To support affected residents, Mr Arthur said the Assembly is providing temporary relief measures, including hotel accommodation for some displaced persons while long-term housing solutions are being explored.
“We are even funding hotel accommodation for some of them for a few days as we work to secure permanent solutions,” he said.
The Assembly Member for the Gyegyeano Electoral Area, Baidoo Acquah, indicated that there had been earlier attempts to carry out the demolition exercise before the incident, but said the initiative did not receive support from some community members. He has since urged residents to be more cooperative in such interventions, stressing the need to prioritise safety in Cape Coast.
Meanwhile, some residents have welcomed the demolition, describing it as a necessary step. However, they are appealing for alternative accommodation arrangements to be put in place to support those affected.
The Assembly says the demolition exercise will form part of broader efforts to improve drainage systems, clear choked gutters, and restore proper land use planning in the metropolis.
