The Southern Sector of the Institution of Engineering and Technology Ghana (IET‑Gh) says illegal structures built on waterways and without assembly permits are largely to blame for the deadly floods and building collapses in the Central region.
IET‑Gh is calling on the government to prosecute offenders rather than pay them compensation.
Engr. Surv. Dr. Ebenezer Gyamera, Chairman of the IET‑Gh Southern Sector, tells OnuaOnline in an exclusive interview that after floods left 18 people dead, 58 buildings collapsed and more than 500 people affected in the Central region, it was discovered that most destroyed buildings had been erected on waterways or without authorization from assembly building inspectors.
He warned that paying compensation to the builders would reward illegal construction and encourage more people to build in unsafe areas.
“Compensating owners of buildings constructed on waterways or without approved permits is tantamount to incentivizing unlawful development,” Dr. Gyamera said on Tuesday, June 30, 2026.
He urged authorities to deny compensation, but rather prosecute offenders and strictly enforce assembly building regulations without exception.
“If any building breaks down, the owner must also be taken to court, especially if the owner doesn’t have a permit. If there is a permit too, the engineer who signed the permit must also be prosecuted. When we have such a law, the person knows if he builds unlawfully and something happens, NADMO will not support me with aid but prosecute me as well,” he advised.
He, however, cautioned against the delay in the issuing of permits by the assemblies, indicating the early release of permits will prevent people from bypassing the law.
Dr. Gyamera also expressed concern about the deteriorating condition of several government office buildings in Cape Coast, describing them as major safety hazards.
He singled out the Ministries Block and the Court Complex near Cape Coast Castle, noting that these structures were built decades ago and have not had significant renovation.
Residents in Cape Coast echoed the call for urgent action, saying authorities must intervene immediately to prevent further tragedies during the rainy season.
The IET‑Gh’s recommendations add to wider calls for strengthened planning enforcement and public education on safe building practices as Ghana enters what meteorologists expect to be a heavy rainfall season.
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