A joint government task force has begun a three-day demolition exercise at the Sakumono Ramsar Site, pulling down several illegal structures in a renewed bid to protect the fragile ecosystem and curb perennial flooding in surrounding communities.
The exercise, which commenced on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, is being carried out by the Forestry Commission in collaboration with the Greater Accra Regional Security Council (REGSEC) and the Tema West Municipal Assembly. Officials have vowed to continue until every unauthorised development within the core zone of the protected wetland is cleared.
Greater Accra Regional Minister Linda Ocloo, who was present at the site, said the government would show no leniency toward encroachers.
“As far as we are concerned, ours is to protect Ramsar sites, and that is exactly what we are doing. No mercy for anybody,” she told JoyNews.
She issued a stern warning to the public against acquiring land within protected areas, describing such investments as illegal and risky.
“Why would you even invest in an illegal site, knowing very well that at a point in time, people will come after you? It’s a caution to others,” she said.
The Minister expressed frustration over what she described as a recurring challenge, noting that some structures previously demolished had been rebuilt by encroachers.
“Even where we’ve demolished, some of the previous structures have been raised. We have a lot of work to do,” she admitted.
She confirmed that the operation would run through Thursday, with the goal of ensuring complete clearance of the core zone. “We are going to be here for three days to make sure that all buildings within the core zone will be down,” she stated.
Ms. Ocloo also raised concerns about permits allegedly issued for some of the demolished structures, suggesting the approvals may have been granted before the current administration assumed office.
“I don’t know what went into that for them to give them that permit, knowing very well that this is a core zone,” she said, adding that Ramsar sites are protected green belts that must be preserved across the region.
The Minister further disclosed that some individuals who attempted to resist the demolition were taken to police stations.
“Some people came, and the military had to escort them to the police stations. We have to arrest them to serve as a deterrent to others,” she said.
She clarified that those picked up were not formally arrested but were removed after trying to disrupt the exercise. “They tried to stop the exercise, and so we had no option but to take them up to the police stations,” she explained.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing into claims by affected individuals, including matters relating to ownership and permits, which will be reviewed as part of the enforcement process.
