Former Board Chairman of the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), Paul Adom-Otchere, has issued a stern warning to the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) about the ongoing demolition of structures at protected Ramsar sites.

He asserted that the exercise could become a "major campaign liability" in the 2028 general elections.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, February 7, Adom-Otchere argued that the government’s failure to provide viable resettlement options for displaced citizens is a ticking political time bomb.

Adom-Otchere noted that while protecting ecological zones like the Ramsar sites is a legal necessity, the manner in which it is executed matters for voter retention.

He compared the current situation to the NPP’s past losses in coastal areas.

EXPLAINER: Understanding Ramsar sites and their role in environmental conservation

“Today, the NDC is doing Ramsar site and breaking people’s buildings. I bet you, it’s going to feature in the 2028 elections,” he warned.

Drawing from history, he recalled how the Akufo-Addo administration’s demolitions along the Labadi Road led to a significant electoral backlash.

“When Akufo-Addo broke that in 2018 or 2019, the NPP lost there. Labadi, Teshie, and Nungua were completely lost,” he claimed, suggesting the NDC is now on a similar path.

He criticised the standard Ghanaian practice of paying compensation without ensuring actual relocation, which often leaves thousands stranded.

He proposed a shift toward "thought leadership" in urban planning like moving affected communities to areas like Amasaman or Prampram with attractive, pre-built housing.

REGSEC to demolish illegal buildings at Tema Ramsar sites on August 4

He added that the government could also consider offering displaced persons a tangible interest in the new redevelopment.

“If it is your land, you even give them a stake, maybe 10% interest,” he said.

Adom-Otchere reminded the government that even if residents are removed from a site like the Korle Lagoon, their "attachment" to the land remains.

Without a meaningful alternative, he argues, the government is simply trading environmental restoration for a massive loss of political capital.

VPO/EB

Detailed account of how US Marshals arrested, held former MASLOC CEO:

TWI NEWS