Greater Accra Regional Minister, Hon. Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, has declared a renewed crackdown on illegal developments at the Sakumo Ramsar Site in the Tema West Municipality, warning that authorities will show “no mercy” to encroachers destroying protected wetlands.
Speaking during an ongoing demolition exercise at the site, the Minister stressed that government was determined to permanently halt the growing encroachment on Ramsar lands across the Greater Accra Region.
The operation is being undertaken jointly by the Forestry Commission, the Greater Accra Regional Security Council (REGSEC), and the Tema West Municipal Assembly, with support from traditional authorities and security agencies.
According to Hon. Ocloo, the exercise forms part of a broader effort to safeguard critical ecological zones and restore degraded wetland areas.
“We are here to protect the Ramsar sites, and that is exactly what we are doing. No mercy for anybody,” she declared.
The Minister expressed concern that despite previous demolitions and repeated public warnings, new structures continue to emerge within the protected core zones.
“We keep cautioning people not to buy lands at Ramsar sites. Why would anyone invest in an illegal area knowing very well that authorities will eventually move in?” she questioned.
Hon. Ocloo disclosed that the current exercise would continue for three days to ensure all illegal structures within the core zones are removed completely.
She acknowledged that the persistent encroachment raises serious concerns about law enforcement and the issuance of permits for developments in restricted areas.
According to her, many of the permits linked to the demolished structures were issued before the current administration assumed office.
“We don’t know what informed the granting of those permits, knowing very well that these are protected core zones,” she said.
The Regional Minister further revealed that several engineers and technocrats associated with the issuance of illegal permits have been transferred as part of measures to strengthen accountability within the assemblies.
She warned that assemblies under the current administration would not tolerate unlawful developments in Ramsar zones.
“As I speak, several engineers have been transferred because of the illegal permits issued to developers. If people fail to learn from their mistakes, further action will be taken,” she cautioned.
Hon. Ocloo also admitted that the demolition exercise is highly expensive, involving the cost of demolition, debris removal, and restoring the wetlands to their natural state.
“The cost involved in this exercise is enormous. After demolition, we still have to clear the debris and restore the area,” she explained.
The Minister indicated that authorities are introducing a new monitoring strategy to prevent future encroachment once the demolitions are completed.
She also confirmed that some individuals who attempted to obstruct the exercise were escorted to police stations by security personnel.
Although she stopped short of describing them as arrests, she stressed that authorities would not hesitate to apply the law to deter future violations.
Hon. Ocloo further disclosed that some property owners have contacted her office claiming they legally acquired the lands and possessed permits.
According to her, such individuals would be given the opportunity to present their documents for review.
She reiterated government’s commitment to protecting all Ramsar sites within Greater Accra, describing them as vital environmental “green belts” essential for ecological balance and sustainable urban development.
“This time around, we are not going to do half and return later. We are determined to complete the exercise fully,” she assured.
