Chief of Staff directs ecological restoration of reclaimed Kpeshie Lagoon

Stan Xoese Dogbe, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, has instructed the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council (GARCC) to begin ecological restoration work on certain reclaimed parts of Kpeshie Lagoon. This directive came about following the removal of unauthorized constructions from the lagoon's protected buffer zone as part of the government's ongoing initiatives to fortify flood control infrastructure and safeguard crucial water reservoirs throughout the Greater Accra region.

The restoration project will be carried out in conjunction with the Forestry Commission and the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA). They are set to restore the wetland by planting coconut trees and other appropriate species, while simultaneously putting in place the necessary environmental safeguards to facilitate the revival of the delicate ecosystem. Dogbe announced this during a demolition exercise in Laboma, which was carried out by the Post Flood Mitigation Task Force.

Dogbe stressed that the exercise is not merely about clearing unlawful constructions. He emphasized that the reclaimed areas must be returned to their natural state, asserting that the restoration of the lagoon will enhance its ability to store floodwaters and decrease the risk of flooding in neighboring communities. He further called for measures to prevent any future encroachment on the protected wetland.

The Kpeshie Lagoon is one of Accra's vital flood mitigation points. However, years of reclamation, sand filling and development have considerably diminished its natural water-retaining capacity. Following the removal of unauthorized structures, authorities plan to clear demolition waste, restore vegetation, and implement ongoing environmental protection measures. This restoration effort is a part of a larger plan to protect wetlands, improve flood control systems, and bolster Greater Accra's resilience against flooding.