Accra, Jan. 7, GNA - The Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology (MEST) has directed encroachers on designated wetlands in the country to stop work immediately.

It urged the public to desist from any negative activity that would destroy the integrity of the ecosystem in those sites. A statement issued in Accra on Thursday and signed by the Sector Minister, Ms Sherry Ayittey, said "MEST has noted with grave concern the encroachment on some wetlands designated as Ramsar sites by individuals and estate developers with illegal structures".

It said the unauthorized structures within the designated wetlands especially on the Sakumono Ramsar site contravened the International Treaty signed by member countries including Ghana.

The statement said, "the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance dubbed the Ramsar Convention is an Inter-governmental Treaty that provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources". It said the Convention came into force in Ghana on June 22, 1988 with six designated sites.

These are; Sakumono Lagoon, Anglo-Keta Lagoon Complex, Densu Delta, Muni Lagoon, Owabi and Songor Lagoons created with legislative instruments of government and have well defined boundaries. 7 Jan. 10