Government Demolishes Illegal Structures at Sakumo Ramsar Site Following Tema West Floods
TEMA | May 28, 2025 — In the wake of devastating floods in the Tema West Municipality, the Greater Accra Regional Security Council (REGSEC), in partnership with National Security and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), has begun demolishing illegal structures erected within the Sakumo Ramsar wetland.
The demolition exercise, led on Tuesday, May 27, by Greater Accra Regional Minister Linda Akweley Ocloo, targeted buildings encroaching on watercourses—structures authorities say directly contributed to the severe flooding that destroyed property and disrupted livelihoods.
“This operation is in response to a presidential directive to tackle flooding across the country,” said Minister Ocloo. “We are restoring the natural flow of water and preventing future disaster.”
She lamented the continued illegal development at the site despite prior demolitions and pledged that this time, REGSEC will prevent re-encroachment.
No Permits, Rampant Encroachment
Tema West Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) Ludwig Teye Totimeh confirmed that no permits were issued for any of the demolished buildings. He blamed the recent floods on the blocked waterways caused by these unauthorised constructions and stressed the urgent need to enforce spatial planning regulations.
His counterpart, Tema MCE Ebi Bright, was more scathing, blaming corruption and abuse of power for the illegal developments.
“Greed and impunity are threatening our natural ecosystems,” she said.
Richard Ben Debrah, Head of Works at the Tema West Municipal Assembly, revealed that monitoring the site had been difficult due to confrontations with land guards and interference by influential individuals.
Environmental and Safety Concerns
NADMO Director-General, Major (Rtd) Dr Joseph Bikanyi Kuyon, warned that encroachment on wetlands like the Ramsar site not only increases flood risk but also endangers lives and the environment. He said this demolition is part of a broader flood mitigation plan for the Greater Accra Region.
“This is about saving lives and preserving nature,” he said. “We will collaborate with the Forestry Commission to promote tree planting under the Green Ghana initiative.”
Forestry Commission Site Manager Thomas Acquah revealed that the demolished buildings sat within the core zone of the protected wetland, covering 8.23 hectares of the total 13.6 square kilometre area. He stressed the need for reforestation and debris clearance to restore the site.
Despite threats and resistance from land guards in the past, Acquah emphasized that the commission is determined to reclaim and protect the Ramsar area.
Next Steps
Authorities have assured the public that post-demolition cleanup and reforestation efforts will begin immediately, while monitoring and enforcement will be intensified to prevent future encroachment.
The exercise marks a significant step in Ghana’s renewed efforts to confront the climate and urban planning crises fueling floods in major cities like Accra.
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