Curbing perennial flooding:  Houses in water- ways to go down! … President warns

President John Dramani Mahama has served notice that government will crack down on per­sons who have built in waterways and other unautho­rised places.

The illegal construction of buildings in waterways, causing flooding and extensive destruc­tion of property, he said was trou­bling and needed to be addressed.

Addressing the Muslim Umah after the Eid-Ul-Fitr prayers in Accra on Monday, President Ma­hama said the reckless disregard for planning regulations and environmental safety was a major contributor to devastating floods that continue to plague commu­nities.

President Mahama said he was aware of instances where private businesses, colluding with some chiefs, were turning water reten­tion areas and Ramsar Sites into built-up zones.

“Let me be clear; this must stop! Those structures will be pulled down. We’ll 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,” President Maha­ma stated.

Building a better Ghana, he noted required collective effort and shared responsibilities where all citizens played their part responsibly.

He used the occasion to call for further tolerance between Chris­tians, Muslims and other religious sects so that the country contin­ued to be the worthy example for others.

The peaceful co-existence between the various religious groups, President Mahama said was a blessing which must be cherished and guarded religiously.

“Let us reject division, let us reject hatred, and let us reject intolerance. The Ghana we desire can only be built through collab­oration and mutual respect,” he said.

The President also entreated factions in the Bawku conflict to give peace a chance because it was only through that the area would see sustainable development.

On his part, the National Chief Imam, Dr Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, called on Ghanaians to honour their responsibilities to the state especially their tax obligations.

Speaking through his spokes­person, the Chief Imam said if this was done, Ghana would be self-sufficient and avoid the reliance on foreign aid for devel­opment.

“When we are self-sufficient, we’ll not go around the world begging so that the external forc­es will impose on us conditions that go contrary to our values,” he underscored.

To the new appointees of the President, the Chief Imam urged that they came to their job with dedication to justify the confi­dence reposed in them.

“There are so many people (equally qualified for the job) but the President saw in you the trust and ability and that is why he chose you. So you must attend to your work with loyalty to the President and the nation,” the Chief Imam advised.

 BY JULIUS YAO PETETSI

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