The Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, has called for the arrest and prosecution of chiefs allegedly involved in the sale of lands situated along waterways and other flood-prone areas.

He made the call on Thursday, May 28, during a visit to flood-affected communities following the spillage of the Weija Dam, which has displaced residents and submerged several homes and shops.

Speaking to journalists, the Ga Mantse expressed concern that some traditional leaders are contributing to the recurring flooding problem by allocating lands designated as waterways, wetlands, and green belts for private development.

He insisted that such actions must be treated as criminal offences and dealt with accordingly.

“Chiefs who are selling lands in flood-prone areas and places that are supposed to remain green areas must be held accountable,” he said.

King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II also urged strict enforcement of building regulations and environmental by-laws to prevent further disasters in affected communities.

While acknowledging the distress caused by demolitions in such areas, he maintained that enforcement was necessary to safeguard lives and property.

“We believe that everything is on course. What we are asking is that government agencies, the Regional Minister, and the MMDAs enforce the by-laws. Nobody should be allowed to build in waterways. If it is wrong, it is wrong, and we have to deal with it,” he stated.

“Demolitions are painful, and I sympathise with those affected, but we will have to enforce the laws because these situations continue to cause loss of life,” he added.

Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has begun evacuation exercises to relocate affected residents to safer locations.