Nearly one-sixth of the legally protected buffer zones along major drainage channels in parts of the Greater Accra Region has been overtaken by unauthorised developments, a new ass
The report indicates that nearly one-sixth of the legally protected buffer zones along major drainage channels in parts of the Greater Accra Region has been overtaken by unauthorised developments, a new assessment by the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) Project has revealed.
It further notes that the findings come in the wake of the recent devastating floods that displaced thousands of residents and claimed lives in the capital, reinforcing concerns over the impact of uncontrolled development on flood management.
The study, which examined developments within designated drainage corridors across 16 Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), found that approximately 16 per cent of the mandatory 25-metre drainage buffer zones had been encroached upon.
Presenting the assessment on Friday, July 3, GARID Project Coordinator and member of the Post-Flood Mitigation Committee, Kojo Ohene Safo, explained that the exercise analysed changes in development between 2022 and 2026 using geospatial data and field assessments.
He stated the review focused on the legally required 25-metre setback on both sides of major drains, a planning requirement intended to preserve waterways, facilitate maintenance works and reduce flood risks.
According to the assessment, the number of structures erected within protected drainage corridors continues to rise across many parts of the region despite existing planning regulations.
Mr Ohene Safo noted that while some localities recorded little or no additional encroachment, the broader trend points to increasing pressure on drainage infrastructure.
He cited Ablekuma Central as one of the few exceptions, where six structures identified within the protected buffer zone in 2022 remained unchanged during the latest assessment period.
However, he stated most of the assemblies studied recorded significant increases in illegal developments.
In Ayawaso Central, structures located within drainage buffers increased from 793 in 2022 to 801 in 2026, while Ayawaso East witnessed a sharper rise from 337 to 494 over the same period.
The situation was similarly pronounced in Ga Central, where an additional 54 structures were erected between 2023 and 2025, raising the total number of encroaching structures within the assessed corridor to 2,329.
Other assemblies also recorded substantial increases.
In Krowor, the number of structures rose from 178 to 295, while Okai Koi North registered an increase from 596 to 729.
Ablekuma West experienced one of the largest jumps, with structures increasing from 904 to 1,293.
