No one can hold title on Ramsar sites – Inusah Fuseini warns against encroachment

Protecting Ghana’s Ramsar sites is critical for flood prevention, warns former Lands Minister Inusah Fuseini.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, July 4, Fuseini emphasized that no individual or institution can legally claim ownership of Ramsar sites, which are wetlands of international importance protected under global environmental agreements.

“No one can hold title on Ramsar sites,” he stated unequivocally, warning that any attempt to privatize or develop these ecologically sensitive areas undermines national environmental laws and exacerbates the country’s vulnerability to flooding.

Fuseini explained that wetlands like Ramsar sites serve as natural sponges, absorbing floodwaters and reducing the impact of heavy rainfall on communities. When these areas are encroached upon for housing, agriculture, or industry, their ability to mitigate floods is severely diminished.

He noted that many of Ghana’s flooding challenges, particularly in urban centers like Accra, are worsened by the destruction and encroachment of wetlands that once acted as vital drainage buffers. Protecting these ecosystems is essential for building resilience against increasingly frequent and intense rainfall events linked to climate change.

The former minister called for stronger enforcement of environmental regulations, public education on the importance of wetlands, and the restoration of degraded Ramsar sites to safeguard communities from flood-related disasters.

Only by preserving these natural defenses can Ghana hope to reduce the devastating human and economic costs of flooding and ensure sustainable development for future generations.

Image Source: MYJOYONLINE