The Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse, has suspended all development activities within Ghana‘s Ramsar sites, emphasizing their critical ecological and economic importance. Since her appointment on January 18, 2025, Professor Klutse has underscored the role of these wetlands in mitigating floods and supporting biodiversity, both of which have substantial economic benefits.
Wetlands like Ramsar sites act as natural sponges, absorbing excess water and reducing the costs of flood damage—a significant economic concern for both rural and urban areas. By preserving these ecosystems, local communities, including businesses and agricultural sectors, benefit from reduced infrastructure damage and lower flood management expenses.
Ramsar sites also support fisheries and tourism, providing direct economic opportunities to local communities. Fish breeding and diverse wildlife contribute to sustainable fishing practices, while the rich biodiversity attracts ecotourism, a growing sector in Ghana’s economy. This boosts local employment and revenue, offering long-term economic stability.
The country has designated five coastal wetlands as Ramsar Sites: Muni-Pomadze, Densu Delta, Sakumo, Songor, and Keta, covering 176,134 hectares. These areas are protected under the Wetland Management (Ramsar sites) Regulations, 1999 (L.I. 1659). The Sakumono Ramsar Site, in particular, plays a vital role in protecting the Sakumono and Tema areas from floods and pollution while supporting local fisheries.
However, encroachment by estate developers and pollution threatens these ecosystems, endangering their economic and environmental benefits. Local fishermen have voiced concerns over the impact of these activities on their livelihoods, as pollution and habitat destruction reduce fish populations and harm the aquatic ecosystem.
With these challenges, Professor Klutse’s leadership comes at a crucial moment. Safeguarding Ramsar sites aligns with broader national efforts to tackle illegal mining, deforestation, and climate change—ensuring that Ghana not only protects its environment but also leverages the economic potential of its natural resources.
