A building owner at the Sakumono Ramsar site was seen on his knees, pleading for mercy as government officials demolished his property along with other structures built on waterways.
The demolition exercise, carried out by the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council and other agencies, targeted illegal constructions obstructing the ecologically sensitive wetland. The distraught man, overwhelmed with emotion, begged officials to spare his building, but the demolition team proceeded, citing strict enforcement of environmental laws to protect the Ramsar site from further degradation.
The exercise is part of a broader crackdown on buildings violating zoning and environmental regulations in flood-prone areas. Authorities have warned that structures on waterways contribute to flooding and ecological harm, particularly in vital areas like the Sakumono wetland.
Despite the pleas of affected property owners, officials insist the demolitions will continue to prevent future disasters and restore the Ramsar site’s natural state. The incident has sparked mixed reactions, with some residents supporting the move while others lament the loss of their investments.
