The Greater Accra Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has given occupants of the Kpeshie Lagoon buffer zone at Laboma Beach in the La Dade-Kotopon Municipality 21 days to remove their structures or face demolition.

The directive is part of the government's flood prevention strategy aimed at reclaiming waterways and stopping further encroachment on protected areas that serve as natural drainage channels.

Authorities say years of silt accumulation in the lagoon, coupled with widespread development within the legally protected buffer zone, have significantly reduced the waterway's capacity and heightened the risk of flooding in surrounding communities.

During an inspection of the area on Friday, Greater Accra Regional Minister Linda Ocloo said the demolition exercise had been scheduled to begin immediately but was postponed after concerns were raised that affected residents had not been given adequate notice.

"We are at Laboma Beach to inspect buildings that have been put up within the buffer zone. Every structure found within the protected area will be removed," she said.

According to the Regional Minister, the extension is intended to allow property owners sufficient time to voluntarily clear the affected structures before enforcement begins.

"We initially came to commence the exercise, but we were informed that residents had not been given enough notice. We have therefore decided to grant them 21 days. Anyone whose structure falls within the buffer zone should remove it within that period. Otherwise, REGSEC will return to carry out the demolition," she stated.

The planned exercise is expected to restore the lagoon's natural drainage corridor by removing obstructions that have accumulated over the years. Authorities say the intervention forms part of broader efforts to minimise the impact of seasonal flooding and improve environmental management across the Greater Accra Region.