As the demolition of illegal structures on the Ramsar site enters its second day, the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Ocloo, has pledged a thorough investigation into individuals and officials involved in the unlawful sale of protected land.
Addressing the media during the ongoing demolition exercise, Madam Ocloo expressed concern over allegations that parcels of the flood-prone Ramsar site were sold to private individuals.
According to her, the persons found culpable in the illegality will be sanctioned.
“There’s more work to be done. It’s painful to see some of these things, but investigations will be carried out into those selling Ramsar lands, and the necessary sanctions will be applied,” she stated firmly.
Her comments come amid reports that a site manager allegedly collected money to allow construction on restricted land. However, the accused has denied the claims, insisting he never took a “dime” from anyone.
This notwithstanding, the Regional Minister emphasised the importance of getting to the bottom of the matter.
“My dear, I’m going to investigate this matter because I have an interest in it. This isn’t the first time we’ve had allegations against the site manager. Personally, I want to know how we got here,” she said.
Madam Ocloo also questioned the role of public officials, whose responsibility it is to prevent such encroachments.
“Where are the engineers and planners? What have they done? What are their duties at the assemblies? To sit and allow things to get to this level—we must hold them accountable,” she stated.
While expressing empathy for affected individuals—including a man who reportedly knelt and wept, pleading for his building to be spared—she stressed that personal loss cannot override public safety.
She insisted that though the demolition exercise is painful, it is necessary to prevent future disasters such as flooding.
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