Accra beach clubs given 21 days to leave Kpeshie Lagoon buffer zone

Several beachfront nightclubs, restaurants and hospitality businesses in Accra have been given 21 days to vacate areas around the Kpeshie Lagoon or face forced demolition.

The Greater Accra Regional Security Council (REGSEC) says the facilities at Laboma Beach are occupying land designated as a buffer zone for the lagoon and are contributing to the area's flood risk.

Those affected include Pink Flamingo, ULA Beach Club, Trophy, Bliss Escape, Amsterdam Kitchen, Si Beach Resort and Alora Beach Resort.

Regional Minister Linda Ocloo, who led the exercise to serve the notices, said some developers had been warned to stop construction while their buildings were still at foundation level.

She said the owners ignored those warnings and continued with their projects.

Under the 21-day notice, owners are expected to remove the structures themselves. REGSEC says it will demolish them and recover the cost from the owners if they fail to comply.

Ms Ocloo also warned that anyone who attempts to obstruct the exercise could be arrested.

The minister said local authorities had previously struggled to enforce planning rules in the area, with some construction taking place at night and officials facing resistance.

The 48 Engineer Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces and a flood task force have now been brought in to support the operation.

Flood prevention

Authorities say the buffer zone is needed to allow water from the Kpeshie Lagoon to collect and flow naturally towards the sea.

The Ghana Hydrological Authority is expected to assess the extent of encroachment and determine how much of the lagoon's buffer zone needs to be reclaimed.

REGSEC also plans to clear heavily silted sections of the waterway and remove boulders obstructing water flow.

Political Coordinator for the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council Anthony Nukpenu said parts of the lagoon had become blocked, contributing to flooding during the heavy rains in June.

He said the Lands Commission had not rezoned the area for residential or recreational development and that it remained part of the lagoon.

The authorities say the operation is part of wider efforts to reclaim waterways and wetlands in Accra and reduce the risk of future flooding.