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Gov’t Begins Demolition at Weija Ramsar Site After Caitec Defies President Mahama’s Directive
The government has moved in forcefully to demolish unauthorised structures at the Weija Ramsar site, following the refusal of transport and logistics company Caitec to comply with a presidential directive to reverse illegal landfilling activities in the ecologically sensitive area.
The directive, issued by President John Dramani Mahama during a recent tour of flood-prone areas in Accra, was aimed at restoring the natural landscape of the Ramsar wetlands and enabling critical dredging works ahead of the rainy season.
“The company must undo the damage at its own cost,” President Mahama stated emphatically during the tour.
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However, a REGSEC inspection on Thursday, April 10, revealed that Caitec had taken no visible steps to reverse the reclamation, prompting swift enforcement action.
In the wake of the company’s non-compliance, the Greater Accra Regional Security Council (REGSEC) ordered the demolition of structures erected within the Ramsar enclave.
Greater Accra Regional Minister Linda Ocloo, who led the operation, issued a stern warning earlier that the state would not tolerate further defiance of lawful directives:
“This blatant disregard of the President’s instruction is unacceptable. The law will take its course,” she said.
Ocloo expressed deep concern that the company’s inaction could undermine the region’s flood mitigation strategy, putting lives and property at risk as the rainy season intensifies.
The Weija Ramsar site is a protected wetland area that serves as a natural buffer during heavy rains. Any form of encroachment—especially landfilling—compromises the area’s ability to absorb excess water and worsens flooding in surrounding communities.
Environmental experts and activists have long raised alarms about commercial encroachment and illegal developments on the Ramsar lands, describing them as a ticking time bomb during the rainy seasons.
The demolition exercise, which began on Friday morning, is targeting all unauthorised physical developments associated with the landfilling. Heavy-duty equipment was seen on-site clearing dumped earth and levelling illegal structures.
Residents and nearby businesses have been advised to stay away from the restricted area as the operation continues under the supervision of security personnel, city engineers, and environmental officers.
The swift government response is being viewed as a strong signal of renewed commitment to environmental protection and disaster prevention, especially in areas historically affected by Accra’s recurring floods.
Authorities have also hinted that more enforcement actions may follow across other encroached wetland zones, as Ghana braces for the peak of the rainy season.
This demolition is not just about structures—it’s about enforcing responsibility, restoring nature, and preventing disaster.
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