The Nungua Mantse and President of the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs, Oboade Notse King Professor Odaifio Welentsi III, has categorically denied authorising the sale of any land within the protected Sakumo Ramsar Site and called on the Forestry Commission to be uncompromising in safeguarding the country’s natural reserves from illegal encroachment.

The Paramount Chief said he had never signed or approved any document relating to the sale of land within the internationally protected wetland and pledged the full support of the Nungua Traditional Council to ongoing efforts by the Forestry Commission to preserve the ecological integrity of the Ramsar Site.

“I have never authorised the sale of any land within the Sakumo Ramsar Site,” the Nungua Mantse declared during a consultative meeting between the Forestry Commission and the Nungua Traditional Council at the Nungua Mantse Palace last Thursday.

The engagement, led by the Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, Dr Hugh Brown, formed part of efforts to deepen collaboration between the Commission and traditional authorities in the Sakumo catchment area to protect the wetland from increasing encroachment and environmental degradation.

Denies land sale claims

The Nungua Mantse dismissed claims that he had sanctioned the sale of portions of the Ramsar Site, describing such assertions as false.

He disclosed that although several land documents bearing what appeared to be his signature had surfaced, he had neither signed nor authorised any transaction involving land within the protected wetland.

The chief warned members of the public to exercise caution and avoid dealing with individuals or groups claiming to sell plots within the Ramsar Site.

Describing such activities as fraudulent, he stressed that any attempt to destroy the ecological integrity of the wetland would not be tolerated.

“I am committed to the conservation of the Ramsar Site because the protection of the wetland remains essential for the well-being of both present and future generations,” he said.

The Nungua Mantse also urged officials of the Forestry Commission to be resolute in carrying out their mandate, particularly in protecting Ramsar Sites and other ecologically sensitive areas that play a vital role in environmental sustainability.

Commitment to conservation

Reaffirming the Traditional Council’s commitment to environmental protection, the Paramount Chief assured the Forestry Commission that the people of Nungua would fully support efforts to safeguard the Sakumo Ramsar Site.

“Nungua is our only homeland and we have nowhere else to go. That is why we must all support efforts to protect natural reserves that will make us live at peace with nature,” he said.

He described illegal encroachment on the wetland as a crime against nature and reiterated his determination to ensure that the internationally recognised ecosystem is preserved for future generations.

Growing threat to wetland

The Sakumo Ramsar Site is one of Ghana’s internationally protected wetlands under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, which Ghana ratified in 1988. The site came under the management of the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission in 1999.

The wetland serves as an important habitat for migratory birds, acts as a natural flood control system and contributes significantly to coastal ecosystem protection and local livelihoods.

However, both its core and buffer zones have come under increasing pressure from illegal encroachment by estate developers and private individuals.

The Forestry Commission has over the years undertaken demolition exercises, enforcement operations and public education campaigns to curb unlawful developments within the protected area.

Climate experts have repeatedly warned that continued destruction of the wetland has weakened its natural ability to absorb excess floodwaters, thereby increasing the risk of flooding in parts of the Greater Accra Region.

Forestry Commission seeks stronger partnership

Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, Dr Hugh Brown, assured the Nungua Traditional Council that the Commission remained committed to protecting the Sakumo Ramsar Site against further encroachment.

He described the wetland as a nationally important ecological asset whose conservation was essential for environmental sustainability.

According to him, while the core zone functions as the principal water retention area, the surrounding buffer zone plays a critical role in absorbing excess water, supporting biodiversity and protecting the integrity of the wetland.

Dr Brown stressed that the active involvement of traditional authorities was indispensable because they remained custodians of much of the country’s lands.

He said stronger collaboration between the Forestry Commission and traditional leaders would significantly enhance efforts to preserve wetlands and other protected ecosystems.

Dr Brown also cautioned prospective land buyers against purchasing plots within the Sakumo Ramsar Site, warning that such acquisitions would be unlawful and could result in enforcement action by the authorities.