The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Akweley Ocloo, has stated that the demolition of structures set up at the Ramsar site was in accordance with the law.
She revealed that the demolition, done in collaboration with the Tema Development Corporation (TDC) and National Security, was to prevent disaster, especially as the rains set in.
Madam Ocloo noted that those who had their structures demolished had no permit to put up their buildings or constructed them illegally.
Speaking on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, she told host Kwabena Agyapong that the exercise forms part of a broader initiative to safeguard the Ramsar site, an ecologically sensitive area.
She said notice was served on all those who had their structures at the site, so nobody can claim they were not informed.
According to the minister, the encroachers disregarded several cautions to stay away from the site.
“What we saw at the site was unfortunate. The exercise will continue to ensure the land is preserved for its intended purpose. We needed to demolish these illegal structures to prevent flooding when the rains begin. We needed to take precautions to prevent any disaster in the area. The Ramsar site is a reserved site, and we cannot allow encroachers to put up their illegal structures there.
Those who put up the illegal structures there had no permits. We had also given them notice of the demolition exercise. There were those who resisted the demolition. Others also put up fresh walls when we had clearly asked them to stop. Those who are still putting up structures illegally should stop; otherwise, we will show no mercy to them.”
Meanwhile, she noted that completed buildings were not demolished, but only fence walls.
Authorities will consult with building owners to determine the best approach, explaining why they did not demolish completed buildings.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
