A joint task force led by the Greater Accra Regional Security Council (REGSEC) and the Tema West Municipal Assembly has begun a three-day demolition exercise targeting unauthorised structures at the Sakumo Ramsar Site.
The operation, which will commence today, Tuesday, May 5, is aimed at clearing illegal developments within the Golf Course section of the Ramsar site to restore the natural flow of waterways and mitigate the risk of flooding as the rainy season sets in.
Authorities say the proliferation of unapproved buildings on key drainage paths has significantly obstructed water movement, worsening flooding in nearby communities during heavy rains.
Officials emphasised that the exercise is part of a sustained enforcement strategy rather than a one-off intervention. Over the years, multiple warnings, eviction notices, and previous demolition efforts have been undertaken, but encroachment has persisted.
The Sakumo Ramsar Site, recognised internationally for its ecological significance, continues to face pressure from human activities, particularly unregulated construction. Authorities warn that such developments not only degrade the environment but also increase vulnerability to floods, putting lives and property at risk.
Security personnel have been deployed to maintain order throughout the exercise, while affected individuals have been urged to cooperate with officials to prevent confrontations.
The latest action underscores renewed efforts by authorities to enforce planning regulations and safeguard critical wetlands that play a vital role in flood control and environmental protection.
By: Janice Opoku-Agyemang
