President John Dramani Mahama has vowed to clamp down on individuals and groups who, in collaboration with some traditional leaders, have been illegally developing protected lands, including Ramsar sites, wetlands, and waterways.

Addressing the 2025 National Eid-ul-Fitr celebration at Black Star Square, President Mahama expressed deep concern over the increasing encroachment on restricted lands, which he attributed to worsening floods and environmental degradation in Ghana.

He lamented the reckless disregard for urban planning laws and warned that his administration would take bold measures to reclaim such lands, stressing that unauthorized structures blocking waterways would not be spared.

“I must address a deeply troubling issue. The illegal construction of buildings in waterways is causing flooding and extensive destruction of property. As we know, the rains are about to start, and already, we are seeing flooding because people have built and blocked the rivers, and so they have nowhere to go but to back up," he stated.

Highlighting the role of land-related corruption in the crisis, the President condemned the activities of private developers who work with traditional leaders to convert protected areas into residential and commercial zones.

“This reckless disregard for planning regulations and environmental safety is a major contributor to the devastating floods that continue to plague our communities. I am aware of instances where private individuals collude with some chiefs to convert Ramsar sites into built-up zones. Let me be clear, this must stop,” Mahama warned.

He further assured that his government would enforce the law without fear or favor to safeguard lives and livelihoods.

“Those structures will be pulled down, and we will not allow a few selfish individuals to endanger the lives and livelihoods of countless others. The law will be enforced, and those who flout it will face the consequences,” he declared.