The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has issued a stern warning to squatters residing in makeshift structures on and along the public storm drain at Okaikwei South Constituency.

The structures house about 200 people, including families and shop owners.

Visiting the area, the head of the AMA sanitation team, Joseph Asitanga, indicated that the settlement poses a threat to lives and property in the event of flooding.

He therefore warned that if they do not move within two months, the assembly will evict them.

“When we clear here, we are going to protect lives and property because when there is any storm or flood here and somebody loses his life, the report will come that it is AMA that asked them to be here.

“Nobody has taken a permit from AMA to be here. This place is out of bounds, it is a storm drain for only wastewater to flow through so whoever finds themselves here is an illegal squatter and we will get them out,” he said.

Meanwhile, Frank Nyarko, the landlord for the settlement is appealing for more time.

According to him, the residents intend to vacate the place after the 2024 election as they are eager to vote for their Member of Parliament.

“He came to provide us with blocks to lay on the gutter to prevent the flood water from entering into our rooms so we are waiting until after the election, we will move,” he explained.