The Greater Accra Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has launched an effort to remove illegal structures at Ramsar sites in Accra as the national capital and its surrounding areas prepare for the rainy season. Led by Regional Minister Linda Ocloo, REGSEC has initiated a demolition exercise targeting illegal buildings at the Weija and Dansoman Ramsar sites. This initiative aims to reclaim the protected wetlands and reduce the persistent flooding affecting nearby communities.
The team first visited the Weija portion of the Ramsar site, which had been levelled with gravel and turned into a flat surface, supposedly in preparation for development by a private company, Caitec Motors. The exercise follows President John Dramani Mahama’s recent tour of Ramsar sites and flood-prone areas in Accra, where he warned that all unauthorised developments on protected lands and watercourses would be cleared.
During the President’s visit, he instructed Caitec Motors to clear the gravel from the site and to halt any further activities. However, during the team’s return visit yesterday, it was observed that no action had been taken, and the site remained unchanged from what the President had witnessed. The regional minister then ordered the company to begin immediate restoration of the area or face legal consequences. Although no specific timeline was provided, Mrs. Ocloo emphasized that the government was committed to its directive and would take all necessary steps to restore the Ramsar site to its original state.
At the Dansoman Ramsar site, the team demolished four uncompleted structures situated deep within the protected area. Additionally, walls encroaching upon designated zones were dismantled to restore the site’s integrity. A heavily armed security team was present to ensure the safety of the operation and to prevent any potential confrontations. The regional minister emphasised the need for strict enforcement of environmental regulations and existing laws to protect the Ramsar sites.
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Linda Ocloo, Greater Accra Regional Minister, addressing the media
She stated that a dedicated task force would be deployed to monitor and safeguard the areas, ensuring compliance with all relevant legal provisions. She also questioned how district assemblies had reneged on their duties in preventing illegal construction activities on the Ramsar sites, necessitating intervention at the regional level.
Mrs Ocloo gave an assurance that the team would re-strategise and return to complete the demolition of the remaining structures. She asked: “Sometimes, I ask myself: How did we let things get this far? These buildings didn’t spring up overnight. They took months, even years, to construct. So, why did the assembly sit by and allow this to happen?” She tasked the assembly to set up a task force that would continuously monitor the site until every illegal structure was cleared.
Background
Speaking at the 2025 National Eid-ul-Fitr celebration at Black Star Square in Accra on March 31 this year, President Mahama expressed deep concern over growing land encroachment, stressing its role in worsening perennial floods and causing damage to life and property. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enforcing environmental laws and cracking down on illegal developments.
By: Joshua Bediako Koomson
