The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), in partnership with National Security and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), has halted an illegal land reclamation project threatening the Nsutam Abena River at Ahodwo, Kumasi.
A private developer had reportedly begun filling the width of the river to expand land for construction purposes an act experts warn could have dire consequences for the environment, nearby residents, and road users.
The intervention came early Wednesday morning when a joint task force led by the Ashanti Regional Director of the EPA, Dr. Jackson Adiyiah Nyantakyi, stormed the site to stop the unauthorized development.
According to Dr. Nyantakyi, the developer commenced the project without any clearance or permit from the EPA or any of the relevant regulatory authorities in the region.
“This is a clear case of bad faith. Wetlands and riverbanks are not meant to be tampered with, especially not without proper environmental assessments and permits,” he said. “The developer has filled part of a drainage channel, which is extremely dangerous. With the help of National Security, we have stopped the activity and will push for prosecution.”
He added that the EPA had neither granted an environmental permit nor received any formal request regarding the project. “We will investigate and take legal steps with support from the appropriate authorities to hold the perpetrators accountable,” Dr. Nyantakyi noted.
Prince Ahmed, Public Relations Officer for NADMO in the Ashanti Region, expressed dismay over the development, indicating that NADMO had not been notified of the project and only learned of it through Wednesday’s operation.
“This act is unlawful. NADMO was not aware of this activity, and we are shocked at the extent of damage already caused. The law will take its course—we won’t allow such reckless development to endanger lives and property,” Mr. Ahmed told Oyerepa News.
