SAKUMONO RAMSAR SITE TURN DUMPING SITE

STORY BY HAGAR SEY

The Sakumɔ Ramsar Site is gradually losing its significance as some residents in the area have turned a portion of the lagoon into a dumping site. They claim that dumping refuse at the Ramsar Site was the only solution to stop the Sakumono Village from flooding anytime it rains. In an interview with GBC-Obonu News, a Community Leader of the Sakumɔnɔ Village, Joseph Teyetsu, said the area needs to be filled with sea sand to protect the Community from flooding but lack of financial support to undertake this project has compelled them to dump their refuse at the Ramsar Site. The Sakumɔ Ramsar Site which covers about one thousand four hundred hectares is situated along the Accra-Tema coastal road. It serves as a natural solution to the recent climate emergency, as it contains mangroves sequestering more than 60 percent of carbon emissions from the atmosphere. The beautiful natural reserve is however gradually losing its beauty and is becoming a dumping site for the Sakumɔnɔ Community and an open defecation arena for some residents. 

The Community started dumping at the site in 2005, but into a waste management agency’s container, however with time, both members of the Community and door-to-door refuse collectors turned the Lagoon and Ramsar Site into a permanent dumping site, in addition to the two waste collection containers available that are overflowing with garbage. A Manager at the dumping site, Ekow Agyiri, who spoke to GBC-Obonu News, said although the Community intends to reclaim the dumping site, the cost involved is hampering their efforts. According to him, the door-to-door refuse collectors have been asked to stop dumping at the place but they are adamant. A Fisherman, Abraham Ayornu, who is also a resident in the Community said the dumping of refuse at the Ramsar Site is affecting fishing activities. He explained that most of the time, their motors get stuck with rubbish at sea; making it difficult for them to sail.

                                    

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