Government Reclaims Kpeshie Lagoon Buffer Zone; Stan Dogbe Directs Ecological Restoration After Laboma Demolitions

The Greater Accra Regional Security Council (REGSEC) and the Post-Flood Mitigating Task Force have carried out a major demolition exercise at Laboma Beach, targeting structures within the Kpeshie Lagoon's protected buffer zone. The operation, which began in the early hours of September 13, saw the removal of several popular beachfront establishments, most notably the Pink Flamingo Lounge. This action follows a 21-day notice period and an August 7 directive aimed at clearing encroachments on vital waterways to address the persistent flooding issues that have plagued the Greater Accra Region throughout the year. Led by the 48 Engineer Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces, the demolition was prompted by a risk assessment that linked illegal developments in the lagoon area to unprecedented flooding in the Tse Addo community. Greater Accra Regional Minister Linda Ohenewaa Akweley Ocloo explained that the alteration of the natural water retention basin had significantly diminished its capacity to manage excess runoff during heavy rains. The Information Services Department (ISD) supported these findings, noting that the reclamation of the lagoon's buffer zone for commercial use was a primary driver of the recent environmental challenges in surrounding residential areas. In the wake of the demolitions, Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Operations, Stan Xoese Dogbe, has directed the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council (GARCC) to immediately initiate ecological restoration efforts. The project will be a collaborative effort involving the Forestry Commission and the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA). Plans for the reclaimed land include the removal of debris, dredging of the lagoon to improve stormwater management, and the planting of coconut and other suitable trees to restore the wetland's natural ecosystem and enhance its flood-control capabilities. This restoration effort marks a significant step in the government's broader strategy to improve flood resilience and protect the region's fragile environmental infrastructure. Authorities have signaled that the demolition exercise will continue to target any further developments identified within protected buffer zones. By returning the Kpeshie Lagoon to its natural state and implementing strict environmental safeguards, the government aims to mitigate future flood risks and ensure the long-term sustainability of the coastal environment for the benefit of nearby communities.