Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus-Glover
The Greater Accra Regional Security Council (REGSEC), has declared all Ramsar sites within the Greater Accra Region security zones.
A statement issued and signed on Tuesday, May 7, 2024 by the Greater Accra Regional Minister-designate, Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus-Glover said the directive is to prevent further development of all Ramsar areas by Ghanaian and foreign nationals, which has resulted in constant flooding of some parts of the city.
It said the move is in line with its mandate as stipulated in the Securities and Intelligence Agencies Acts 2020 (1030) to ensure law and order in the event of such occurrences.
“The Ramsar sites located within the Tema Metropolitan, Tema West Municipal, Ablekuma West Municipal and Weija Gbawe Municipal Assemblies have been declared a security zone and effective today, Tuesday May 7, 2024, REGSEC has taken over the security of the Ramsar sites.
“The areas affected include Klagon, Adjei Kojo, areas around the Sakumo lagoon in the Tema West Municipal Assembly and Tema Community 3, 6, 10, 11 and 12 within the Tema Metropolitan Assembly,” the statement disclosed.
Other areas include Weija, Mallam Junction enclave, Lafa river area in the Weija-Gbawe Municipal Assembly, Mansralor, Opetekwei and Otodjor Electoral Area within the Ablekuma West Municipality.
It therefore directed all the Assemblies to erect sign posts to declare these entire areas security zone to further halt all construction activities, reclamation and refilling of the wetlands.
“REGSEC in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service, and the Ghana Armed Forces will deploy security personnel to these areas to ensure this directive is followed to the letter,” it added.
It further stated that the Regional Co-ordinating Council is liasing with the appropriate authorities such as the Forestry and Lands Commission to regularise structures outside the core zone of the Ramsar sites, while efforts were also been made to demolish structures within the core zone with immediate effect.
By Ebenezer K. Amponsah