Ghana’s capital will intensify enforcement against illegal developments, unauthorised structures and environmental violations following a series of deadly incidents, including a building collapse, flooding and a major fire outbreak, the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council (GARCC) said on Thursday.

In a statement signed by Greater Accra Regional Minister Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, the council said Accra “will no longer be a sanctuary for indiscipline” as it announced a package of measures aimed at improving public safety and regulatory compliance.

The move follows the collapse of a multi-storey building at Adenta New Site in the La Nkwantanang-Madina Municipality, a fire outbreak in the Central Business District and widespread flooding across parts of the capital on 3 June.

While extending condolences to affected families, the council said many of the incidents could have been prevented through stricter compliance with planning regulations and stronger enforcement of existing laws.

Authorities attributed the disasters to unauthorised developments, indiscriminate waste disposal, encroachment on waterways, disregard for planning regulations and weak enforcement mechanisms. The council also acknowledged lapses in oversight by some public institutions.

Under the new measures, a multi-agency team will conduct a comprehensive audit of ongoing and recently completed multi-storey buildings across the region. Structures found to have violated approved permits or safety regulations could face legal and administrative sanctions.

The council also announced plans to intensify the removal of structures built in waterways, drainage channels, road reservations and other protected public spaces in collaboration with metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies.

Developers, property owners and land users have been directed to comply with planning, building and environmental regulations, while oversight of development control processes will be strengthened through the Regional Spatial Planning Committee.

Additional measures include tighter enforcement of sanitation regulations to curb indiscriminate waste disposal, a practice authorities say contributes significantly to urban flooding, as well as improved mechanisms for residents to report illegal developments and misconduct by public officials.

“Government will ensure that these measures are implemented consistently without fear or favour,” the statement said.

The council called on residents, businesses, traditional authorities, faith-based organisations and other stakeholders to support efforts to build what it described as a safer, cleaner and more resilient capital city.