Illegal structures demolished at Sakumo Ramsar site to curb flooding
Following recent floods in the Tema West Municipality that led to the destruction of property, the Greater Accra Regional Security Council (REGSEC), in collaboration with National Security and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), has demolished a number of illegal structures encroaching on watercourses within the Sakumo Ramsar site.
The operation targeted buildings constructed in the wetland, which were deemed partly responsible for the severe flooding in the area.
Leading the exercise on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Akweley Ocloo, explained that the demolition was intended to restore the natural flow of floodwaters through the watercourse, reduce the risk of future flooding, and protect the integrity of the wetland.
Mrs Ocloo noted that the exercise formed part of a presidential directive aimed at tackling flooding challenges across the country. She lamented the rapid and persistent development at the Ramsar site despite previous demolition efforts, and stated that REGSEC was determined to prevent re-encroachment this time around.
The minister stressed the government's commitment to halting illegal development and taking all necessary steps to address perennial flooding in the region.
The Director-General of NADMO, Major (Rtd) Dr Joseph Bikanyi Kuyon, underscored the dangers of encroachment on Ramsar sites, warning that such activities contribute significantly to flooding, property damage, and potential loss of life.
He said the current demolition formed part of a broader flood mitigation strategy for Accra, with a long-term objective to preserve water basins. NADMO, he added, would work with the Forestry Commission to promote greening of the affected areas to deter further encroachment.
No permit
The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Tema West, Ludwig Teye Totimeh, disclosed that no building permits had been issued for the structures being demolished. He linked the recent flooding in the municipality to the presence of these illegal constructions and emphasised the importance of enforcing planning regulations.
Mr Totimeh assured that the Assembly would take proactive measures to prevent the recurrence of unauthorised development.
The MCE for Tema, Ebi Bright, expressed concern about the environmental consequences of such developments. She attributed the unauthorised construction at the Ramsar site to corruption and greed among individuals with access to power and resources.
Richard Ben Debrah, Head of the Works Department at the Tema West Municipal Assembly, added that, aside from the lack of permits, monitoring the site had proven difficult due to confrontations with land guards and interference from influential individuals.
Core zone
Site Manager for the Forestry Commission, Thomas Acquah, indicated that the structures being demolished were located within the core zone of the Ramsar site, covering 8.23 hectares of the total 13.6 square kilometre area.
He said earlier efforts to preserve the wetland were often met with resistance, including threats and attacks from land guards. He advised that after demolition, the site should be cleared of debris and prepared for reforestation under the Green Ghana initiative.
