Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor has urged the Nungua Traditional Council and all stakeholders involved in the impasse over the Ramsar site to exercise restraint as the Ministry seeks to find an amicable solution to the issue.
Addressing the Chiefs and Elders of the Nungua Traditional Council in Accra, the Minister called for a cease-fire from all the parties and assured that the Ministry is working assiduously to find a quick solution to the matter.
He said the Ministry is working to ensure that a mutually-satisfying resolution is reached.
He also appealed to the council to keep faith in the Ministry and give the government its full support as it mediates the various issues relative to the Ramsar site.
Mr Jinapor explained that the Akufo-Addo administration is on a path to regularize all state lands and that in a matter of weeks, the challenge of the Sakumono Ramsar site will come to an end.
According to him, the core area marked as the Ramsar site has international and environmental significance and for that matter will continue to serve the purpose for which it was earmarked.
He, however, warned that whiles discussions are ongoing to bring finality to the matter, nobody should be seen to be undertaking any form of activities on any part of the lands.
He indicated that a task force from the Greater Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has been tasked with the responsibility of protecting the area and that a task force will be commissioned to shield the place from all kinds of encroachment.
The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Henry Quartey bemoaned the encroachment of government lands in the region and vowed that he will initiate measures to protect the lands.
He explained that there are security concerns and that his outfit will work with the Ministry of Lands to ensure that peace prevails.
The Paramount Chief of Nungua Traditional Area, Prof. Odaifio Welentsi, commended the timely intervention of government and praised the Ministry for being candid and forthright with the council.
He said the Council is deeply concerned with the encroachment of the lands and will work with the state to address the challenges.
