Ashanti Regional Minister Vows Crackdown on Encroachment in KNUST
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, has pledged a renewed crackdown on illegal developments and encroachment on waterways following an inspection of major flood-prone areas within the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and other parts of the Ashanti Region.
The exercise forms part of efforts by the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council (ARCC) to strengthen disaster preparedness and address the growing threat of flooding, which continues to affect several communities across the region.
The inspection followed an emergency stakeholder meeting convened on June 15 after recent heavy rains triggered flooding in parts of the region, raising concerns over the safety of residents and public infrastructure.
Dr. Amoakohene led a joint team comprising officials from affected Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), the Spatial Planning Department and KNUST management to assess flood hotspots and identify both immediate and long-term mitigation measures.
The team observed extensive encroachment on waterways, riverbanks and designated buffer zones, with several unauthorized structures obstructing the natural flow of water. Officials also identified indiscriminate land-filling activities and other environmental violations that have significantly reduced drainage capacity in affected areas.
Speaking after the tour, Dr. Amoakohene described the situation as alarming and warned that continued disregard for planning regulations was exposing communities to preventable disasters.
“Our assessment confirmed disturbing levels of encroachment on critical waterways and riverbanks. These illegal activities not only undermine environmental sustainability but also put lives and properties at risk,” he said.
The Minister stressed that authorities would intensify enforcement of planning regulations and environmental laws to curb further encroachment.
“Development must be responsible, lawful and environmentally sustainable. We will not relent in taking the necessary actions to protect our communities from preventable disasters,” he stated.
Dr. Amoakohene also called on residents, traditional authorities, developers and local assemblies to support efforts to preserve rivers, streams and drainage channels. He urged the public to report illegal developments and activities that obstruct waterways, emphasizing that tackling flooding requires collective action.
The findings from the inspection are expected to guide a series of interventions aimed at reducing flood risks and strengthening community resilience across the Ashanti Region.
