The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Ocloo, has assured that the Sakumo and Tema Ramsar sites will be protected.
She expressed concern that encroachment on these sites has worsened, with developers continuing to build on the wetlands.
Speaking to the press ahead of an exercise to inspect the sites, Madam Ocloo stated that a taskforce would be deployed to safeguard the areas and ensure strict enforcement of relevant environmental regulations and existing laws.
“Despite the crucial importance of the Tema Sakumo Ramsar site, it is very unfortunate that it continues to face the threat of encroachment and illegal development. This threat not only endangers the delicate balance of the ecosystem but also destroys the livelihoods of the countless people who depend on it.
“To be precise, encroachment on this core zone of the Tema Sakumo Ramsar site is illegal and unacceptable. The core zone located in the centre of the wetland is where biodiversity is highest and where human activities must be kept to a minimum, and to maintain the areas of ecological integrity, therefore allowing construction or any form of development within this zone would have clear consequences.
“I want to assure you that the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council will intensify its efforts to safeguard this wetland. We will ensure that the relevant environmental regulations and existing laws are strictly enforced and complied with,” she assured.
Meanwhile, National Security Officers arrived at the site to sack persons who attempted to protest the demolition exercise.
