Two Months Enough For Ramsar Site Encroachers To Relocate - Linda Ocloo

Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Ocloo, says residents affected by the demolition of structures at the Sakumo Ramsar site were given adequate notice, stressing that two months is sufficient time for them to vacate the area. Her remarks follow the resumption of demolition exercises targeting unauthorised buildings on protected Ramsar lands in Sakumono, Klagon, and Tema. The exercise, which resumed on Monday, July 22, had previously been put on hold.

The renewed operation comes in the wake of recent flooding in the Tema West Municipality, which caused significant property damage. Authorities have blamed the flooding partly on the illegal encroachment of wetlands particularly at the Sakumo Ramsar site where buildings have been erected on watercourses, violating environmental laws.

Speaking to the media, Ocloo reiterated that affected residents had ample time to relocate and were directed to channel grievances through the appropriate authorities. We told them to channel any grievances to the Metropolitan Chief Executive. We gave them two months because they are already aware. We will still come back and make sure that the remaining structures will be down, she stated.

She added that many of the affected properties are unoccupied and newly built, making the relocation process less complicated. The last time we were here, it’s been two months ago. So, two months is enough for them to move whatever properties they have or whatever they have in their buildings. It should be off so that we can demolish the site. I’m not sure there are people living in the buildings; these are all new buildings, and these are all new sites.

They are all new buildings, so this shouldn’t be a problem for us at all. According to the Greater Accra Regional Security Council (REGSEC), the demolition exercise is part of broader efforts to restore the ecological integrity of the Ramsar site and reduce the risk of flooding and environmental degradation in the region. Excavators have been deployed, and active demolition is ongoing across the affected areas.

REGSEC, in collaboration with National Security and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), has already demolished several illegal structures in the area. The affected buildings were situated within designated wetland zones, which serve as natural flood control systems. The ongoing demolitions form part of efforts to avert future disasters and restore the ecological integrity of the Ramsar sites.

On May 27, 2025, the demolition exercise at the Sakumo Ramsar site was temporarily suspended following concerns raised by the owners of the hired machinery used for the operation. According to officials, the equipment described as too lightweight proved insufficient for pulling down many of the high-rise structures built on reinforced foundations. In addition, the machines ran low on fuel, further hampering progress.