Why 44 environmental CSOs, individuals oppose application to change Tse Ado mangrove area into estate

Forty-four (44) environmental Civil Society Organizations and individuals have joined forces to oppose an application to change the status of a mangrove (protected coastal / water-front zone at Tse Ado in Accra to a mixed-use site.

The 3.22 acre-mangrove site is located behind the Ghana Trade Fair Centre, along the Lagoon bypass.

In a notice published on August 7, 2020, in the Ghanaian Times newspaper, the La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly said the conversion of the protected area was to “pave way for the construction of an 18-unit Residential Estate and a Recreational centre”.

But the group made up of CSO and individuals said the move is a slap in the face of efforts targeted at preserving the environment.

“In the name of sustainable development, we say NO to the application to turn Tse Ado protected mangrove area into a “mixed-use” site,” it said.

“The application is coming at a time when all over the world, there is increased awareness of the priceless value of ecological diversity and citizens are doing their utmost to preserve the environment,” a letter to LADMA  sighted by theghanareport.com said.

The group is made up of environmental advocacy groups such as Eco-Conscious Citizens, A Rocha Ghana, Ghana Youth Environmental Movement, Ghana Wildlife Society, and other concerned citizens from different fields of profession.

Stating its reason for opposing the move, the group listed several benefits of mangroves to biodiversity.

“Mangroves are vital for biodiversity. They are the first level of defence for coastal communities and protect shorelines. They maintain water quality with their dense network of roots and surrounding vegetation, and filter and trap sediments, heavy metals, and other pollutants.

It added that “This ability to retain sediments flowing from upstream prevents contamination of downstream waterways and protects sensitive habitat like coral reefs and seagrass beds”.

In the letter signed by Co-ordinator of the Eco-Conscious Citizens and co-signed by the 43 others, the group said “Mangroves are vital for sustainable development and to combat climate change. According to the World Economic Forum, Senegal planted 79 million mangrove trees to fight deforestation.

“It is not by accident that two successive Ghanaian Presidents were appointed Co-Chairperson of the UN Sustainable Development Goals Advocates, and our President Nana Akufo-Addo is the current Co-Chairperson”.

Along the coastal areas of Ghana, mangroves are harvested and transported across the country for firewood.

But the group contends that Ghana must show commitment to protecting its biodiversity hotspots and forests.

In July 2020, the group reignited its fight against the government’s decision to convert the Parks and Gardens head office at Cantonment in Accra into an office complex.

Despite earlier opposition to the move, the group said some environmental protection officers had been sighted on the land conducting a survey.

The coordinator of the group, Awula Serwah, wondered why so much effort was being made to build on the Parks and Gardens land when the focus should be on planting, developing the green economy and raising awareness of the importance of green spaces.

The group has described recent happenings in the Environmental sector as ” relentless attacks on the environment” which “fly in the face of
sustainable development and are sending the wrong signals”.

“Perhaps it is time for the Government to seriously consider moving the capital from Accra, as the relentless assault on the environment is partly driven by the desire to own property in the capital. If not checked, the endless pressure on green spaces will make us all extinct. Moving the capital to the centre of Ghana would not only provide jobs and skills but would be an opportunity to create a world class green city,” the letter added.