Mr Kenneth Kabu Kofi Kanor, the Ada East District Chief Executive (DCE), has warned owners of unauthorised structures on waterways to regularise their permits or risk demolition following recent flooding in parts of the district.

The warning came after a nearly 10-hour downpour from Saturday, March 28, to Sunday, March 29, 2026, which led to the submerging of homes, destruction of properties, leaving some families displaced.

Mr Kanor issued the caution on Tuesday, during a tour of affected communities, including Kasseh, Atortorkorpe and Big Ada, to assess the extent of damage caused by the floods.

He described the situation as disheartening, attributing the flooding largely to the construction of buildings on waterways and unauthorised developments.

During the inspection, the DCE and his team identified several structures obstructing natural drainage paths.

At Kasseh, a warehouse constructed on a waterway was found to have diverted floodwaters into nearby homes, causing extensive damage.

When questioned, the owner of the facility was unable to provide documentation, prompting the DCE to issue an ultimatum to produce valid permits or face demolition.

On the Tamatoku Road, the team also discovered a two-storey building constructed close to the Tama Lagoon, which the DCE described as a significant risk to residents in the area.

He warned that if the owner failed to come forward within a stipulated period, the structure would be pulled down.

Mr Kanor stressed that stalls, shops and buildings that pose danger to communities would either be demolished or modified to allow proper drainage through the construction of gutters or canals.

“As the rains have begun, we must act swiftly to prevent further flooding and destruction. The assembly will not allow any individual to endanger the lives of others through unauthorised developments,” he said.

He urged persons who had constructed buildings without permits to report to the district assembly to regularise their structures, warning that failure to comply could result in demolition.

Mr Kanor assured residents that the assembly would continue its inspections across other affected areas and take necessary measures to prevent future flooding.