Sakumono Ramsar Site Demolition: Woman Weeps as Mansion Gets Razed By Task Force

• Victims of the ongoing demolition exercise at the Sakumono Ramsar site have poured out their frustrations to the media
• A woman who lost her mansion wept, accusing some officers of taking bribes with a promise of keeping the structures safe
• Netizens who saw the video expressed mixed reactions, with some sympathising with her and some criticising her

A woman was seen weeping uncontrollably as bulldozers demolished her home during ongoing efforts to clear illegal structures from a protected wetland.

Her multi-million cedi building was part of structures that sat on the Sakumono Ramsar site, which is currently in the grasp of a major demolition exercise.

The demolition, led by Greater Accra Regional Minister Linda Ocloo, aimed to remove unauthorised buildings that have encroached upon the site, a wetland of international importance designated under the Ramsar Convention.

The victim, whose identity is not immediately known, got emotional in a video and wept, accusing officers at the Forestry Commission of taking money from property owners, with the assurance that their structures would be protected from the demolition exercise.

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She noted that she had paid over GH¢40,000 to one officer, who she named as Acquah. In the video, she criticised the government, describing the operation as insensitive.

Through tears, she said the current administration could have explored a better way of tackling the issue instead of just destroying people's structures without consideration.

The video of the woman lamenting over her property is below:

What is the Sakumono Ramasar site?

The Sakumono Ramsar Site, also known as the Sakumo Lagoon, covers an area of 1,400 hectares and is situated along the coastal road between Accra and Tema.

It plays a crucial role in flood control, biodiversity conservation, and serves as a habitat for various bird and fish species.

However, the Sakumono Ramsar Site has faced increasing threats from urbanisation and illegal development, leading to concerns about its ability to function effectively as a natural buffer against flooding.

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Some citizens have constructed buildings at the site, including those targeted in the recent demolition exercise.

Property owners who had structures on the site expressed their devastation over the loss of the buildings, which they claimed were built with the necessary permits. They questioned the fairness of the demolition.

Meanwhile, Greater Accra Minister Ocloo emphasised the government's commitment to restoring the integrity of the Ramsar site, warning that all illegal structures would be removed regardless of the status of their owners.

She stated that the demolition exercise formed part of broader efforts to prevent flooding and protect the environment.

Netizens react to Ramsar site victim's cry

Netizens who saw the video of the victim crying expressed mixed reactions in the comments section. While some sympathised with her, others criticised her.

@DontdoYawa wrote:

"Charley, struggling to get money to build a house to this level, and you watch it being demolished. She must be carrying a lion's heart. Me watching this self shedding tears. How much is one cement self? The people who sold the land are walking freely."

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@eagleyez7 wrote:

"She's contradicting herself. She knows she built on an authorised place, yet she thought paying bribes would save her building. Serves her right."

@Wadostydray910 wrote:

"She must sue these idiots because that’s the only language they will comprehend."

@Lechiboroni wrote:

"Hey Aqua or whatever your name is, come tf out now!"

@Xcedis1 wrote:

"The whole site should be dredged into a river, this can be a small river for the people around, else they will come back again after the regime change."

Developer begs Minister during Ramsar site demolition

YEN.com.gh also reported that a developer's pleas fell on deaf ears as the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Ocloo, supervised the Sakumono Ramsar demolition exercise.

The developer has been identified as McDonald Owusu. Some other distraught developers accused the manager of the site of giving false assurances and taking their bribes.

Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.

Source: YEN.com.gh