Ramsar Demolitions: ‘Re-engineer the area, don’t demolish homes’ – Tema Central MP tells gov’t
Member of Parliament for Tema Central, Charles Forson, is calling on the government to adopt a more consultative and constructive strategy in addressing encroachments on Ramsar sites, particularly those within the Greater Accra Region.
His comments follow ongoing demolitions of structures built on protected wetlands, including parts of his own constituency.
In an exclusive interview on Channel One Newsroom on Tuesday, August 5, Mr. Forson criticised the approach taken by the Greater Accra Regional Minister, stating that demolitions alone are not a sustainable solution.
He argued that rather than razing already constructed buildings, the government should consider re-engineering the area to incorporate existing developments into a broader urban planning framework.
“The development has been done. The Minister ought to sit down with the developers. We need to regularise the lands. Take money from them. Let us develop the landscape. Let us develop the roads. Let us develop the drainage system. I believe that pulling the buildings down is not going to help because if you pull them down, what next?” Mr. Forson stated.
“We need to re-engineer the whole place. If you go to some cities which are in lower-lying lands, they have developed them. Why do you go and pull so many houses down? The Minister and the government should consider the stand they have taken,” he added.
Mr. Forson emphasized that while environmental conservation is important, the government must also consider the investments and livelihoods of affected residents.
Meanwhile, some residents whose properties are located on Ramsar-designated sites in Tema and Sakumono have petitioned President John Dramani Mahama to intervene in the demolitions.
The petitioners claim their lands were legally acquired from the Forestry Commission, with some arguing that they have taken deliberate steps to preserve the environment rather than damage it.
Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, one of the affected residents, Jerry Narhyumu, said that while they acknowledge the ecological importance of the area, they do not believe they have violated any laws.
Narhyumu also pointed out that the area is not prone to flooding and that many residents have lived there since 2019 without experiencing any environmental incidents. He called for sustained dialogue under the current administration and stressed the need for policy continuity to resolve the issue.
Ramsar sites are internationally recognised wetlands designated for their ecological significance. However, rising encroachment has triggered state-led demolitions aimed at protecting their long-term environmental value.
