The  Greater Accra Regional Minister,Linda  Ocloo, has expressed concerns over the failure of district assemblies to prevent illegal construction activities at the Sakumono and Tema Ramsar sites, two ecologically sensitive wetlands protected under international environmental agreements.

Speaking to Eyewitness News on March 12, 2025, Mrs. Ocloo revealed that despite repeated warnings to local authorities, unauthorised building projects have continued unabated. The minister, accompanied by security personnel, oversaw a demolition operation at the sites aimed at halting these illegal developments.

“We’ve found that many of the district officials have been compromised in their duties,” Madam Ocloo explained. “We had a discussion with the assemblies three weeks ago, asking them to enforce the law and halt construction, but we were informed that the projects proceeded regardless. This is why I had to personally intervene,” she said.

The minister underscored the need for stricter enforcement of environmental regulations and legal protections for the Ramsar sites. To this end, Ocloo announced plans to establish a dedicated task force tasked with monitoring and ensuring compliance with environmental laws.

The Sakumono and Tema Ramsar sites hold critical ecological value, and their preservation is vital to maintaining biodiversity and supporting the broader environmental health of the region.

Source:TheDotNews