The Greater Accra Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has issued a 21-day ultimatum to beachfront businesses and other facilities operating within the buffer zones of the Kpeshie Lagoon at Laboma Beach to vacate or face forced demolition.
The directive affects several nightclubs, restaurants, beach resorts and hospitality facilities located in the La Dadekotopon Municipal Assembly. Authorities say the structures have been constructed within areas designated as buffer zones for the Kpeshie Lagoon, contributing to drainage challenges and worsening the risk of flooding in parts of Greater Accra.
Greater Accra Regional Minister Linda Ocloo led the REGSEC team to serve the notices on the affected property owners and operators.
Among the facilities affected are Pink Flamingo, ULA Beach Club, Trophy, Bliss Escape, Amsterdam Kitchen, Si Beach Resort and Alora Beach Resort.
REGSEC Warns Laboma Beach Property Owners
Mrs Ocloo said some of the developers had been warned not to proceed with construction while their projects were still at the foundation stage. However, according to the minister, several developers ignored the warnings and continued building.
She questioned whether some of the property owners had obtained the necessary permits to construct within the environmentally sensitive area.
The Regional Minister explained that the 21-day notice gives the affected occupants an opportunity to demolish and remove their own structures.
Failure to comply, she warned, would result in REGSEC taking enforcement action to demolish the structures, with the cost of the exercise recovered from the owners.
She also cautioned anyone who attempts to obstruct the demolition exercise that they could face arrest and other legal action.
Flood Risk Behind Kpeshie Lagoon Demolition
The government says the enforcement exercise is largely aimed at restoring the Kpeshie Lagoon buffer zone and improving the flow of floodwater into the sea.
Mrs Ocloo noted that local authorities had previously struggled to enforce regulations because some officials faced strong resistance when they visited the affected areas.
She said structures could sometimes be erected rapidly despite earlier warnings, making enforcement difficult for assembly officials.
To strengthen the operation, the 48 Engineer Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces, together with a flood task force, has been deployed to support the reclamation exercise.
REGSEC will assess the area to establish the full extent of the encroachment and identify structures that fall within the legally protected buffer zone.
Government to Reclaim Kpeshie Lagoon Buffer Zone
The Regional Minister explained that the buffer zone is important because it provides space where excess water can temporarily collect before gradually flowing into the sea.
She said the government could not allow the continued destruction or encroachment of wetlands, particularly at a time when several communities in the Greater Accra Region remain vulnerable to flooding.
The Ghana Hydrological Authority is expected to conduct a further assessment of the Kpeshie Lagoon and its buffer zones to determine the level of encroachment and establish adequate space for water retention during the rainy season.
Dredging and Removal of Obstructions Planned
Political Coordinator for the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council, Anthony Nukpenu, said the government would reclaim areas around the water retention zone and a heavily silted pathway to improve drainage.
He said occupants whose buildings are located directly within the waterway had already been notified to remove their properties before dredging works begin.
Authorities also plan to remove boulders and other obstructions that are restricting the movement of water through the area.
Mr Nukpenu linked part of the flooding recorded in June to poor water flow, saying water was unable to pass effectively through the rear section of a bridge in the area.
Lands Commission Says Area Remains Lagoon
Mr Nukpenu further stated that the Lands Commission had not rezoned the area for residential or recreational development.
He maintained that the site remains part of the Kpeshie Lagoon and should therefore not be treated as a legally approved residential or recreational development zone.
The latest REGSEC action forms part of broader government efforts to tackle flooding, wetland encroachment and illegal development in Greater Accra.
Authorities are urging property owners and businesses occupying the Kpeshie Lagoon buffer zone to comply with the 21-day directive to avoid demolition, enforcement action and possible arrest.
Source: newsthemegh.com