The Greater Accra Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has planned a demolition exercise from April 28 to April 30, 2026. This operation will target illegal structures within the Sakumo Ramsar Site. The goal is to protect this important wetland ecosystem.
This demolition is part of ongoing efforts to stop people from building in protected areas. It also aims to stop damaging waste disposal practices. The wetland has gotten much smaller over the years. This is because of illegal building. It is also due to dumping of trash and fast city growth. The Regional Minister, Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, announced this on April 26, 2026. She spoke at a meeting of the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council. The wetland is a vital part of the environment.
Ghana is facing growing challenges with its natural resources. Protecting Ramsar sites, which are important wetlands, is a priority. These sites help manage water and support biodiversity. However, rapid urban expansion, especially around Accra, puts pressure on these areas. In 2025, similar demolition exercises were carried out across Greater Accra to clear unauthorized structures. This highlights a persistent issue of land use regulation enforcement.
"REGSEC will support the Forestry Commission and the Tema West Municipal Assembly to undertake a demolition exercise to remove unauthorised structures within the core zone of Ramsar Site and other Ramsar sites," stated Regional Minister Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo. She warned all developers and land users to obey environmental laws. They must not build or conduct activities within the Sakumo Ramsar Site. Strict compliance is required.
This demolition exercise signals a firm stance by the government on environmental protection. It sends a clear message to developers. They must respect zoning laws and environmental regulations. The Forestry Commission and Tema West Municipal Assembly have a key role. They will execute the demolitions and monitor future encroachment. The public will be watching to see if this leads to sustained protection of the Sakumo Ramsar Site.
The success of this exercise will depend on ongoing enforcement. It will also influence future development plans in sensitive ecological zones. The government's commitment to environmental conservation is being tested. The Sakumo Ramsar Site's future relies on these actions.