Tema: The TDC Ghana Limited, in an effort to safeguard the Sakumo Ramsar site and mitigate the risk of flooding, has initiated a demolition exercise targeting unauthorized fence walls constructed by developers encroaching on the site. The dismantling operation focused on a fence wall stretching from Klagon towards Tema, a development that Mr. Courage Nunekpeku, the Managing Director of TDC, described as concerning. He warned that if left unchecked, such constructions could lead to flooding in Tema, the motorway, and surrounding areas during the rainy season.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Sakumo Ramsar Site, situated along the Tema-Accra beach road and separated from the sea by a rail line and road, is a wetland of international significance. It originally spanned an area of 1,400 hectares within the Tema West Municipality. The Sakumo Lagoon, designated as a Ramsar Site in 1987, channels floodwaters from upstream regions, including parts of the Eastern Region, into the sea. It also serves as a fishing area and habitat for migratory birds.
Leading the demolition, Mr. Nunekpeku emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that if prompt action was not taken, the Ramsar site could face severe encroachment from both the Tema and Klagon sides. He explained that restricting the narrowing of the Ramsar Site’s opening was crucial to ensuring that floodwaters could flow into the sea, thus preventing potential disasters.
Mr. Nunekpeku clarified that while some flexibility was allowed in the buffer area, the core area was strictly off-limits for any development. He strongly asserted that the TDC’s actions were not aggressive but aimed at protecting both the area and the citizens from potential flooding.
Despite attempts to educate developers on the consequences of their actions, Mr. Nunekpeku noted that they remained defiant, necessitating the use of force to safeguard the site. He expressed the ongoing challenge of monitoring the site, particularly at night, and emphasized the need for persistent vigilance to deter further encroachments.
He also highlighted that none of the structures being erected at the Ramsar Site had received permits from the Tema West Municipal Assembly, Tema Metropolitan Assembly, or TDC. Mr. Nunekpeku pointed out that the developers were aware of the illegality of their actions, as evidenced by their formation of an association named the Ramsar Site to be Regularised Association.
Mr. Nunekpeku reiterated his commitment to maintaining the demolition efforts and expressed a willingness to engage with traditional leaders of Nungua to resolve the issue, as some had sold portions of the site to developers.
