A Rocha Ghana has called for an effective execution of President John Mahama’s directive to remove structures erected on Ramsar sites, wetlands, and waterways.
The President, during the Eid-ul-Fitr celebration at the Black Stars Square, on Monday, March 31, 2025, issued a warning against the illegal construction of structures in waterways, in a bid to curb the perennial flooding the country is faced with.
The Deputy National Director for A Rocha Ghana, Daryl Bosu, in an interview with Citi News, stated that the removal of structures would alleviate flooding and cut down costs involved in providing relief packages for victims.
“I think it is important that we really get this on the ground. We have seen how communities and settlements have resisted the actions of governments trying to restore the pathways of rivers in most of our settlement areas.
“I must say that in the past we have seen how people are turning wetlands, like the Ramsar site, into land for construction. So, if the president is saying that they are going to pay attention to this, then they have to get on the grounds to get it done. If they do, it will really help in reducing instances of flooding in the future,” he stated.
He stressed further that there is a need for the various authorities to be held accountable for the widespread encroachment on Ramsar sites.
“The demolition shouldn’t be done only when the president issues a directive. It should be something that our various MMDA and DCEs must be able to enforce. For lack of compliance and enforcement, we don’t get to see things as planned. I think it is time that people who are put at the helm of affairs are held accountable,” he added.