BY Nadia Ntiamoah
In a determined bid to address the recurring menace of flooding in Accra, the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Ocloo, on Tuesday, May 27, spearheaded a large-scale demolition exercise targeting unauthorized structures erected on waterways and protected wetland areas.
The operation, sanctioned by the Greater Accra Regional Security Council (REGSEC), commenced with the pulling down of buildings on the Sakumo Ramsar site and other critical wetlands in Tema and Klagon—areas that have long suffered from illegal encroachment by private developers.
This move comes in the wake of devastating floods that recently displaced hundreds of residents, submerged homes, and paralyzed economic activities across the capital.
The floods reignited public outrage over unchecked construction on wetlands, with citizens demanding firmer action from government authorities.
The Sakumo Ramsar site, along with others in the region, plays a vital role in the city’s natural drainage system.
Environmental scientists have for years warned that building in such ecologically sensitive areas undermines the capital’s ability to absorb heavy rainfall, contributing directly to the city’s worsening flood situation.
At the demolition site, Linda Ocloo emphasized that the exercise had followed due process.
“They are aware. In fact, there has been engagement; they are very much aware of this exercise. Some of the buildings have notices of ‘Stop Work,’” she told reporters, pointing out that affected individuals were given prior warnings.
The minister was accompanied by the Tema Metropolitan Chief Executive, Ebi Bright, who echoed the government’s stance, blaming the crisis on systemic failures and corruption.
“These are the results of corruption, and for me, it’s mainly about the greed of people who have access and resources,” she said, visibly dismayed at the scale of encroachment.
A particularly poignant moment captured during the exercise showed a distressed man watching helplessly as his multi-storey building at the Sakumo Ramsar site was demolished—a stark reminder of the consequences of defying land use regulations.
The Regional Coordinating Council has stated that the demolition will continue in phases and will extend to other flood-prone areas in the region.
Authorities are working with environmental and city planning agencies to formulate long-term strategies that will prevent future encroachments and preserve the integrity of the region’s wetlands.
The demolition effort has not been without resistance.
Traditional leaders and some community members have raised concerns about the cultural and spiritual significance of certain sites.
However, Ocloo was resolute in her response: “The gods must have a place, but Ghanaian lives come first.”
This latest exercise builds upon previous attempts by city authorities to reclaim water bodies and wetlands from illegal development.
However, critics argue that sustained political will, stricter enforcement of planning regulations, and prosecution of complicit public officials are required if Accra is to break free from its cycle of destructive floods.
