Last week structures along the banks of the Kpeshie Lagoon were demolished upon the authority of the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council.
It was a demolishing exercise long overdue. Successive authorities watched helplessly as unauthorised structures, some on water bodies, sprang up leaving behind spectacles of chaotic town planning for want of a better description.
It makes us wonder whether there are bylaws regulating our relationship with the environment. Of course the bylaws exist but the appropriate leadership response needed under such circumstances was simply lacking hence the proliferation of pockets of shanties and now metal containers.
The ecological imbalance and the subsequent death of marine life in some lagoons especially the Kpeshie Lagoon is the result of the dangerous human activities on the banks of the lagoon.
While we salute those who embarked upon the exercise which we are told was led by the MCE for the Ayawaso North Municipal Assembly, we would we be quick to add consistency is important in such matters.
It is common for such reclaimed lands to be quickly reoccupied. As stated by the MCE for La Dadekotopon, Solomon Kotey, trees would be planted on the reclaimed land. That should be the best thing to do under the circumstances especially as the vegetation cover in the country especially in the area under review has suffered a decline in recent times.
The issue of the Kpeshie Lagoon is a sad one and a pointer at how much we have allowed indiscipline to overwhelm us.
This area is not alone. The Klagon area and the adjoining wetlands and the constant threat they have come under in the past years is worrying.
As one of the countries blessed with wetlands we should have done enough to protect these nature-endowed places.
The turtles which used to come and lay eggs in such wetlands and migratory birds from distant lands, would look elsewhere when their natural habitats are encroached upon by mankind.
Ghana is signatory to international conventions on the protection of wetlands and endangered species of wildlife. It would therefore be unacceptable when we show indifference in the face of the wanton destruction of wetlands and other habitats of fauna.
The proper management of our wetlands and environment is our important contribution towards the ongoing global response to climate change.
Environmental indiscipline which has been with us for so long should not be toyed with through unplanned and inconsistent responses.
Imagine beautiful Kpeshie Lagoon with the assortment of wild species returning to the body of water with vegetation cover resplendent with colour and life.
Let us learn to love nature and nurture it to our benefit. This reckless relationship with nature should be discarded forthwith.
The demolition brigade should turn to the other areas which have become home to those who could not care less about the life of our environment.