The Harbour View Estate Residents Association has raised concerns over the ongoing demolition exercise at the Sakumo Ramsar Site, stating that it has destroyed more than 10.5 acres of land, amounting to 40 residential plots.
The demolitions, which began on August 4, 2025, are being carried out by the Greater Accra Regional Security Council (REGSEC) to remove unauthorised structures within the protected wetland.
The exercise covered areas including Communities 5, 6, 10, 11, and 12.
In a citinewsroom.com report on August 22, 2025, authorities argued that the move is necessary to stop encroachment and preserve the Ramsar site, which serves as an important ecological buffer and wildlife habitat.
EXPLAINER: Understanding Ramsar sites and their role in environmental conservation
Chairman of the Association, Jonathan Boye-Doku, described the impact as significant and called for broader consultation with stakeholders.
“The demolition of land at the Ramsar site impacted about 10.5 acres of properties, that is 40 plots. That is quite a lot. With Sakumono, we have two things at play: Sakumono as a Ramsar site and Sakumono as a government-acquired site. Which one are we fighting for? If it is Ramsar, then we must sit down and see the best way to solve the problem,” he said.
He added that residents are not opposed to government’s efforts but are advocating a ‘win-win solution’ that balances urbanisation with environmental preservation.
“We are not saying government should abandon the project and leave us to do whatever we want. We are looking at balancing urbanisation and ecological effect so that at the end of the day, it is a win-win for all of us,” he stated.
The residents stated that they have petitioned President John Dramani Mahama to intervene in the matter, emphasising that any solution must preserve the original purpose of the Ramsar site as a model for sustainable development.
REGSEC to demolish illegal buildings at Tema Ramsar sites on August 4
MRA/EB
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