The Kpeshie Lagoon at Laboma is set for ecological restoration following the demolition of illegal structures within its protected buffer zone.
Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Operations and Chairman of the National Flood Mitigation Taskforce, Stan Xoese Dogbe, has directed the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council (GARCC) to commence the restoration of portions of the lagoon that have been reclaimed.
The restoration exercise will be undertaken in collaboration with the Forestry Commission and the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), with plans to plant coconut and other appropriate tree species to rehabilitate the degraded wetland.
Mr Dogbe issued the directive at Laboma on Sunday, September 13, after the Post Flood Mitigation Task Force carried out a demolition exercise as part of measures to protect flood-control infrastructure and preserve key water-retention areas in the Greater Accra Region.
He said the exercise would not end with the removal of illegal structures, stressing that reclaimed portions of the lagoon must be restored to their natural condition.
According to him, rehabilitating the area would help improve the lagoon’s ability to hold excess water during heavy rainfall and reduce the risk of flooding in surrounding communities.
The Kpeshie Lagoon is considered an important flood-management asset in Accra. However, years of reclamation, sand filling and unregulated development have significantly reduced its natural capacity to retain water.
Authorities are expected to clear debris from the affected areas and reintroduce vegetation as part of efforts to restore the wetland and strengthen its resilience against future flooding.
