Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus Glover, minister designate for the Greater Accra region has stopped the development of the Densu Ramsar Site by some private individuals.
The Densu Ramsar Site, which is a wetland serving surrounding communities, including Dansoman, Weija, Mallam and Bortianor-Kokrobite has been encroached upon by private developers.
The minister designate, with a joint security taskforce and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) inspected the devastation going on at the Ramsar site last Friday.
From Mallam Junction, which is predominantly occupied by Chinese companies, the wetland is being filled with boulders and sand to make way for concrete development.
The same development was witnessed at Dansoman, where a whole community has sprung up at the Ramsar site, covering 1000s of acres.
The minister designate, therefore, decided to put a temporary ban on the development of the swamp, until further notice.
He indicated to one Nii Ofei Dansoman, who claimed to be a chief, as well as other developers found at the swamp site, that their actions have a far reaching consequences on the environment, lives and properties, than they could imagine.
According to him, no matter how much they fill the Ramsar site, water will always find its level and its effect is dire.
Mr. Titus Glover said nobody could claim ownership of the Ramsar site, as it is under the Forestry Commission, therefore, its acquisition was illegal.
He further stated that anyone who had legal claims to the wetland should submit documents to prove same, until then every work or development should be put on hold.
Tipper truck drivers were warned from accepting business to sell gravels or boulders to such developers.
The minister designate also added that the security forces will be deployed to prevent recalcitrant developers from trespassing.
Interestingly, a few hours after the minister designate’s warning, trucks were seen in full operation conveying gravels, boulders and other filling materials to the Ramsar site.
