Stan Dogbe orders Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council to restore Kpeshie Lagoon after Laboma demolition

The Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council (GARCC) has been directed to begin the ecological restoration of reclaimed portions of the Kpeshie Lagoon after the demolition of illegal structures within the wetland’s protected buffer zone.

The directive came from the Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Operations, Stan Xoese Dogbe, following a demolition exercise at Laboma carried out by the Post-Flood Mitigation Task Force.

Mr. Dogbe said the restoration programme would be undertaken in collaboration with the Forestry Commission and the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA). It would include the planting of coconut and other appropriate tree species, alongside measures to protect and rehabilitate the fragile wetland ecosystem.

He explained that the exercise was not limited to removing unauthorised developments, but was intended to restore the affected areas, improve the lagoon’s ability to retain floodwaters and prevent further encroachment.

The Kpeshie Lagoon is considered one of Accra’s important flood-control areas. However, years of reclamation, sand-filling and construction have significantly reduced its natural capacity to hold water.

“With the clearance now underway, authorities will move towards debris removal, vegetation restoration and sustained environmental protection to strengthen the wetland's resilience against future flooding,” the post read.

The demolition exercise began in the early hours of Sunday, September 13, at the Kpeshie Lagoon buffer zone near Laboma Beach in the La Dade-Kotopon Municipality. Among the affected properties was the popular Pink Flamingo Lounge, together with several residential and commercial structures.

The operation was led by the 48 Engineer Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces under the Post-Flood Mitigation Task Force, established by the government after the June 29 floods.

It followed an August 7 directive from the Greater Accra Regional Security Council (REGSEC), which gave occupants of the protected zone 21 days to vacate.

Greater Accra Regional Minister Linda Ohenewaa Akweley Ocloo, who spoke at the site, said the demolition was conducted peacefully and formed part of efforts to reclaim waterways and reduce the risk of flooding.

She noted that sections of the lagoon had been converted into artificial land through the dumping of boulders and sand-filling for the construction of hotels and other businesses.

“All this place used to be mangrove, it's a wetland. They cut the trees, filled this place and sold the land to developers,” she said.