REGSEC launches onslaught on structures at Ramsar sites
The Greater Accra Regional Security Council (REGSEC) launched into an onslaught on illegal structures at Ramsar sites in Accra as the national national capital and its environs await the onset of the rainy season.
The Greater Accra REGSEC, led by the Regional Minister, Linda Ocloo, began a demolition exercise on illegal structures on the Weija and Dansoman Ramsar sites as part of efforts to reclaim the protected wetlands and curb the persistent flooding in surrounding communities.
The team first visited the Weija portion of the Ramsar site, which had been levelled with gravel and turned into a flat surface, supposedly in preparation for development by a private company, Caitec Motors.
The exercise follows President John Dramani Mahama’s recent tour of Ramsar sites and flood-prone areas in Accra, where he warned that all unauthorised developments on protected lands and watercourses would be cleared.
During the President’s visit, he directed Caitec Motors to clear the gravel and halt any further activity.
However, on the team’s return visit yesterday, it was observed that no action had been taken and the site remained the same as the President had witnessed it.
The regional minister ordered the company to begin immediate restoration of the area or face the full force of the law.
While no specific timeline was given, Mrs Ocloo made it clear that the government was resolute in its directive and would take all necessary steps to return the Ramsar site to its original state.
At the Dansoman Ramsar site, the team demolished four uncompleted structures situated deep within the protected area.
Additionally, walls encroaching upon designated zones were dismantled to restore the site’s integrity.
A heavily armed security team was present to ensure the safety of the operation and to prevent any potential confrontations.
The regional minister emphasised the need for strict enforcement of environmental regulations and existing laws to protect the Ramsar sites.
She stated that a dedicated task force would be deployed to monitor and safeguard the areas, ensuring compliance with all relevant legal provisions.
She also questioned how district assemblies had reneged on their duties in preventing illegal construction activities on the Ramsar sites, necessitating intervention at the regional level.
Mrs Ocloo gave an assurance that the team would re-strategise and return to complete the demolition of the remaining structures.
She asked: “Sometimes, I ask myself: How did we let things get this far? These buildings didn’t spring up overnight.
They took months, even years, to construct. So, why did the assembly sit by and allow this to happen?”
She tasked the assembly to set up a task force that would continuously monitor the site until every illegal structure was cleared.
Background
Speaking at the 2025 National Eid-ul-Fitr celebration at Black Star Square in Accra on March 31 this year, President Mahama expressed deep concern over growing land encroachment, stressing its role in worsening perennial floods and causing damage to life and property.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enforcing environmental laws and cracking down on illegal developments.
