The Greater Accra Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has given residents and businesses occupying the protected buffer zone of the Kpeshie Lagoon at Laboma Beach 21 days to vacate the area ahead of a planned demolition exercise.
The directive affects several structures within the Laboma enclave in the La Dade-Kotopon Municipality, including the popular Pink Flamingo lounge, which authorities say has been constructed within the lagoon’s protected buffer zone.
REGSEC says the growing encroachment and extensive siltation of the Kpeshie Lagoon are contributing to worsening flooding in parts of the Greater Accra Region.
The directive forms part of broader efforts by authorities to reclaim waterways, remove unauthorised developments and improve flood management across the region.
Occupants face forced eviction
Leading a tour of the affected area, Greater Accra Regional Minister Linda Ocloo said occupants have been given 21 days to voluntarily vacate the protected zone.
She warned that those who fail to comply will be forcibly removed to allow authorities to reclaim and restore the buffer zone.
According to the Minister, some developers had previously been instructed to stop construction in the area but ignored the directives and continued with their projects.
“Some of the buildings here, when they were at their early stage, we asked the owners not to continue, but they still went ahead,” she said.
“People sometimes just push us and call you all kinds of names. At the end of the day, I am not even sure the encroachers even have permits.”
Mrs Ocloo said the continued development of structures on waterways and wetlands undermines efforts to improve drainage and tackle flooding in Accra.
Flood control at centre of exercise
REGSEC maintains that reclaiming the Kpeshie Lagoon buffer zone is necessary to protect the waterway and reduce the risk of flooding in surrounding communities.
Authorities have raised concerns about the increasing number of unauthorised structures along waterways and wetlands across Greater Accra, warning that such developments obstruct natural water flow and complicate flood-control measures.
The planned demolition at Laboma forms part of an ongoing campaign by the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council and other state agencies to reclaim waterways and remove structures deemed to be obstructing drainage channels and protected water bodies.
The 21-day ultimatum is expected to pave the way for the demolition and restoration of the affected portion of the Kpeshie Lagoon buffer zone.
