Ramsar Site Demolition: Church Begs for More Time as Task Force Moves to Destroy It
- Leaders of a church in Lashibi got emotional when some members of a task force moved to destroy the church
- They pleaded for mercy and requested more time to relocate their belongings in a video sighted by YEN.com.gh
- Netizens who saw the video expressed mixed reactions, as some sympathised with them while others criticised them
- Speaking in an exclusive interview with YEN.com.gh, a Ghanaian pastor shared his views on the church's plea
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The owners of a church in Lashibi appealed for more time after a task force set to demolish the church building, which is situated within a Ramsar site, arrived on-site to begin the destruction process.
The church, which has been in operation for about five years, has become embroiled in a legal and environmental dispute due to its location on protected wetlands.
Source: Twitter
Drama unfolded when the church leaders, who had been notified about the impending demolition, made an impassioned plea to authorities, requesting additional time to relocate the church and its congregation.
Despite the urgency, they expressed willingness to comply with government regulations but stressed that the process of finding a new location for the church, which serves hundreds of worshippers, would require more time and resources than initially anticipated.
Watch the video of the church leaders appealing for more time below:
Demolition of structures at Ramsar sites begin
The Greater Accra Regional Security Council launched the demolition exercise targeting unauthorised structures built within waterways.
This is in reaction to recent flooding in the Greater Accra region. The operation, which began on May 27, focuses on illegally erected buildings at ecologically sensitive Ramsar sites, including areas in Tema, Klagon, and the Sakumo Ramsar site.
At a point, the project was disrupted by one of the machines engaged in the demolition developing a fault. This prompted the arrival of a new excavator. So far, the exercise is being carried out at Lashibi, Sakumono and other areas.
Source: Twitter
Property owner begs task force
The exercise has elicited mixed reactions, as many developers became emotional watching their structures being pulled down.
The pleas of developer McDonald Owusu fell on deaf ears as the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Ocloo, supervised the demolition of his building, which was situated on the Sakumono Ramsar site.
Some other distraught developers accused the manager of the Ramsar site of giving false assurances and taking bribes. Thomas Acquah, the Ramsar Site manager, denied the claims.
The church is not above the law
Speaking in an exclusive interview with YEN.com.gh, Ghanaian preacher Apostle Eric Okai provided insights into the matter.
"The state officials should demolish any structure in authorised places. The church is not above the law," he said.
Netizens react to the church's plea
Netizens who saw the video of the church leaders begging for more time to relocate expressed mixed reactions in the comments section.
While some sympathised with them, others questioned why they constructed the structure at an unauthorised site.
@BaOdoom wrote:
"The pipo who sold the land no hmmmm. She said onnim."
@mrowusu wrote:
"Is there electricity there? If yes, how did they get the poles, transformers and all that stuff?"
@NanaK_Baidoo wrote:
"Kindly grant her wish, okay. We beg."
@Naaameen wrote:
"Chale who dey sell the lands give this people."
Woman weeps as mansion gets razed
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that 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.
Source: YEN.com.gh
