Former Greater Accra Regional Minister, Henry Quartey, has criticised the ongoing plan to demolish unauthorised structures at the Ramsar site in Lashibi, Tema, describing the exercise as “needless” and unlikely to resolve the underlying issues.
Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Mr Quartey questioned the logic of the demolition.
“If you demolish it, what are you going to do there? The work I did there, no one can do what I did, so it won’t work. There needs to be a proper plan before taking such drastic action,” he fumed.
He further suggested that authorities should consider sustainable alternatives to outright demolition.
“Instead of just tearing everything down, we can turn the place into an ecosystem, use it as a tourist attraction, and ensure regularisation for those who live there. This recycling of demolition won’t work,” he added.
Mr Quartey also warned that the demolition could create more problems than it will solve, stressing the importance of planning and long-term solutions.
“Demolition alone does not fix issues like unauthorised settlements or environmental degradation. There must be a strategy that balances development, environmental protection, and the welfare of local residents,” he said.
The remarks come as the current Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Ocloo, leads a task force to remove unauthorised structures built on the Ramsar site, particularly in waterlogged areas.
The exercise aims to reclaim and preserve the site, which plays a critical role as a flood buffer and habitat for wildlife.
Officials have stated that the Ramsar site is vital for controlling floods in the Tema area and protecting biodiversity.
However, Mr Quartey insists that demolition without a clear plan or alternative use will not address the root problems and called for a more sustainable approach.
“Before we start destroying, we must ask ourselves what comes next. We need a plan that transforms the area responsibly, rather than simply removing structures and leaving the space unused,” he concluded.
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