Land Encroachment: Mallam Ramsar site situation persists despite presidential order

Channel One News has uncovered that large piles of sand remain at Mallam Junction. This sand was meant to fill a Ramsar site. President John Dramani Mahama had ordered an immediate stop to filling waterways in flood-prone areas.

Local traditional authorities are frustrated. They have tried unsuccessfully to halt development on these waterways. This puts the area at greater risk for floods.

As the rainy season nears, the government is taking steps to reduce flooding. On April 2, President Mahama visited some flood-prone areas to assess conditions.

During his visit to Mallam Junction, he ordered an immediate stop to land filling. He specifically instructed that the heaps of sand be removed from the waterway. This aims to lower flood risks in the area.

Bukari Iddrisu, a local farmer, shared his concerns about encroachment activities. "It’s truly troubling," he said. "I’ve been growing crops all over, but they’ve all been destroyed." He added that he hasn't received any compensation.

Iddrisu noted that attempts to stop developers have failed. Often, these developers are protected by security personnel.

The Asafoatse Yenteaso I of Ngleshi Alata Lafa also expressed frustration. "They keep telling me they will stop," he said, "but I come back and find them working." He reported this issue to his chief, who intervened but could not resolve it.

He urged the President to build proper drains in the area for relief. Meanwhile, officials at Weija Gbawe Municipal Assembly spoke off the record with Channel One News. They plan to clear the sand at Mallam Junction next week and dredge gutters in flood-prone areas soon after.