Tema Wetland Dispute: Residents Blame Encroachment for Recurring Floods

[00:00:00]Well, away from that, the sound of heavy rainfall no longer brings hope for a good harvest for residents and farmers at Jatabu in Tema Community 3. Instead, it signals the risk of flooded homes, destroyed livelihoods, and an escalating disputes over land they insist was never meant to be sold. The land in question forms part of a Ramsar site, a protected wetland designated to conserve biodiversity while serving as a natural buffer against flooding. My colleague Elizabeth Kabuki Okansi reports.

[00:00:34]>> What was once an expansive wetland that collected rainwater and sustained farming is gradually disappearing.

[00:00:44]Residents say large portions of the protected Ramsar sites have been converted for private development with residential buildings, warehouses, and other structures steadily replacing the natural landscape. As the wetland continues to shrink, many fear the area's natural flood defense is being lost.

[00:01:12]>> But because of the fancy development is the main reason why.

[00:01:31]>> For decades, the Sakumo Ramsar site, which covers parts of the Jatabu at Tema Community 3, served as a natural drainage basin allowing excess rainwater to disperse while providing fertile land for farming. Today, heaps of sand and concrete structures occupy sections of the wetland. Residents believe these developments have obstructed the natural waterways causing flood waters to spill into surrounding homes whenever heavy rains occur.

[00:02:33]During a visit to the area, the Channel 1 News team observed ongoing construction on parts of the protected wetland. While some buildings had already been completed, others were still under construction despite concerns over the environmental sensitivity of the site.

[00:02:51]Residents say every new structure further reduces the wetland's capacity to absorb flood waters. Farmers who rely on the land for their livelihood say they are now facing eviction. They allege that private developers have laid claim to section of the Ramsar site and continue to intimidate anyone who questions their ownership. For many families, losing their land means losing their primary source of income.

[00:03:37]I'm with the machine. Around 3:00.

[00:03:43]I've been for a month. About time I went home with three days.

[00:03:48]I'm a giddy giddy wet planner night.

[00:03:52]>> We are planning night.

[00:03:54]You see I fear and panic and I am the people are rising.

[00:04:16]>> Community leaders insist the land should never have been sold according to the community's opinion leader. The Tema Metropolitan Assembly had previously indicated that the Ramsar site is protected and therefore unsuitable for private development. Despite this, construction activities continue.

[00:04:57]Residents say they now live with two constant fears of annual flooding and alleged harassment from individuals claiming ownership of the protected land.

[00:05:49]>> They're appealing to government agencies and environmental regulators to intervene before the situation deteriorates further.

[00:06:41]The vice chairman of the community three sides the residence association believes restoring the Ramsar sites is essential to safeguarding lives, livelihoods, and property.

[00:06:53]He's calling on authorities to halt all construction within the protected wetland and remove structures erected in violation of environmental regulations.

[00:07:04]>> calling him out that I squarely and fairly put this at his doorstep.

[00:07:13]Because if you want to remove everybody here, do so.

[00:07:18]But we can't have this uh place sold out.

[00:07:26]The country is making conscious efforts to keep reserved lands and water bodies.

[00:07:35]>> Able West Municipal Assembly says it is engaging the relevant stakeholders to resolve the disputes and address concerns over developments within the Ramsar site. As Ghana continues to grapple with recurring floods, environmental experts have consistently warned that wetlands such as Ramsar sites are among the country's most effective natural flood control systems.

[00:08:01]For the people of Djatabou, protecting the wetland is no longer just an environmental issue. It has become a matter of safety, livelihoods, and survival.