REGSEC, Tema West Assembly begin 3-day demolition of illegal structures at Sakumono Ramsar site today

A joint task force comprising the Greater Accra Regional Security Council (REGSEC) and the Tema West Municipal Assembly has launched a major demolition exercise targeting illegal structures within the Golf Course enclave of the Sakumo Ramsar Site.

The three-day operation, which commenced on Tuesday, May 5, is part of renewed and intensified efforts by authorities to restore blocked watercourses and mitigate the growing threat of flooding as the rainy season begins across the Greater Accra Region.

Officials revealed that extensive encroachment on critical drainage channels within the Ramsar zone has severely disrupted the natural flow of water. This obstruction has been identified as a key factor behind recurring floods that have affected nearby communities in recent years, causing property damage and posing risks to lives.

According to authorities, the ongoing demolition is not an isolated intervention but part of a broader, sustained enforcement strategy aimed at preserving environmentally sensitive areas. They stressed that protecting the Sakumo Ramsar Site remains a national priority due to its ecological significance, including its role as a habitat for wildlife and a natural flood control system.

Despite several prior warnings, eviction notices, and earlier demolition exercises, illegal construction activities have continued within the protected zone. This persistence has prompted what officials describe as a more coordinated and decisive crackdown to ensure compliance with environmental and planning regulations.

The Sakumo Ramsar Site, recognized internationally for its ecological value, has increasingly come under pressure from human activities, particularly unauthorized developments. Environmental experts warn that continued encroachment could lead to irreversible damage to biodiversity and further escalate flooding risks in urban areas.

Authorities have also cautioned that failure to adhere to planning regulations not only undermines environmental protection efforts but also endangers public safety, especially during periods of heavy rainfall.

Security personnel have been deployed to maintain law and order throughout the exercise, while affected residents and property owners are being urged to cooperate with officials to ensure a smooth and peaceful operation.

Government agencies have reiterated their commitment to enforcing environmental laws and have warned that further violations will attract strict sanctions as part of ongoing efforts to safeguard critical natural resources and prevent future disasters.