Kpeshie Lagoon clearing enters enforcement phase as task force demolishes illegal structures at Laboma Beach

The Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council (GARCC) has been instructed by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Stan Xoese Dogbe, to commence ecological restoration work along the reclaimed portions of the Kpeshie Lagoon. This order follows the recent removal of unauthorized structures built within the wetland's protected perimeter at Laboma.

The demolition was carried out by the Post-Flood Mitigation Task Force in collaboration with the Regional Security Council as part of a broader initiative to reduce flooding in the Greater Accra Region. Mr. Dogbe provided an update on his official Facebook page, outlining a coordinated effort among the Forestry Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Ghana Armed Forces to revive the lagoon's ecosystem.

Their plan includes clearing debris, dredging the area, and replanting coconut trees and other suitable species to restore the reclaimed sections to their original state. The main goal is to enhance the lagoon's ability to retain floodwaters and prevent future unauthorized encroachments. The Kpeshie Lagoon basin has historically served as a vital flood control area for Accra.

In recent years, unlawful land reclamation, sand-filling, and commercial developments have damaged the natural vegetation and significantly impeded the natural water flow towards the sea. This restoration project builds upon previous dredging and clearance operations carried out in other flood-prone areas, such as the Tesa Dam and Lafa Water Retention Basin.

Authorities are confident that transforming the cleared Laboma buffer zone into a green space will offer long-term environmental protection while also creating a safe and tranquil area for public recreation.