Accra: Mr Stan Xoese Dogbe, the Deputy Chief of Staff in-charge of Operations at the Presidency, has directed the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council (GARCC) to commence ecological restoration along the Kpeshie Lagoon where physical structures have been demolished. The restoration efforts are to involve the Forestry Commission and the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) in planting coconuts and other suitable trees, with the EPA providing necessary environmental guidance to restore the fragile ecosystem.
According to Ghana News Agency, the directive was issued on Sunday at Laboma following the demolition of illegal structures within the protected buffer zone by the Post Flood Mitigation Task Force, as part of flood prevention measures in the Greater Accra Region. Mr Dogbe emphasized to the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Ocloo, that the restoration is vital to protect the reclaimed sections of the lagoon from future encroachment while restoring the wetland's natural flood retention ability.
The Deputy Chief of Staff clarified that the task force's actions were focused on the previously known water retention basin along the Kpeshie, which in recent years faced clearing, silting, and construction. Following Sunday's exercise, the team plans to clear debris and, alongside REGSEC and EPA, commence tree planting in the secured area. This initiative aims to enhance the area's serenity for leisure and holidaymakers while working towards returning the area to its natural state.
The Kpeshie Lagoon is a critical flood intervention point in Accra, impacted by illegal reclamation, sand filling, and commercial development that have reduced its water-holding capacity and obstructed water flow. The Post Flood Mitigation Task Force has recently engaged in dredging, demolition, and retention basin restoration at flood-prone locations, including Tesa Dam, the Lafa Water Retention Basin, and the Kpeshie Lagoon. Authorities indicate the next phase will focus on restoring the wetland landscape through vegetation and sustained environmental protection to bolster the lagoon's resilience against future flooding.