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Former Board Chairman of the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), Paul Adom-Otchere, has cautioned the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) that the ongoing demolition of structures at protected Ramsar sites could become a serious political liability ahead of the 2028 general elections.
According to him, while environmental protection is necessary, the approach being used risks alienating affected communities and could translate into significant electoral losses if not handled carefully.
Demolitions could backfire politically
Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, February 7, Adom-Otchere argued that the lack of proper resettlement arrangements for displaced residents makes the exercise politically dangerous.
He stressed that voters often judge governments not just by the legality of their actions, but by the human impact of their decisions.
“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.
Lessons from past electoral losses
Drawing parallels with previous experiences, Adom-Otchere recalled how similar demolition exercises under the Akufo-Addo administration led to electoral backlash in some coastal communities.
“When Akufo-Addo broke those buildings around 2018 or 2019, the NPP lost heavily in those areas. Labadi, Teshie and Nungua were completely lost,” he said.
He warned that the NDC could face a similar fate if affected residents are left without meaningful alternatives.
Compensation without relocation not enough
Adom-Otchere criticised what he described as Ghana’s long-standing practice of paying compensation without ensuring actual resettlement.
According to him, this approach often leaves displaced families stranded, frustrated and politically hostile.
He urged the government to adopt a more thoughtful urban planning strategy by relocating affected residents to well-developed areas such as Amasaman or Prampram, with ready housing and proper infrastructure.
Proposed stakeholder-inclusive solutions
Beyond relocation, Adom-Otchere suggested that displaced landowners could be given a stake in redevelopment projects to foster cooperation and reduce resentment.
“If it is your land, you even give them a stake — maybe 10 per cent interest,” he proposed.
He noted that even when residents are removed from sensitive ecological zones like the Korle Lagoon, their emotional and historical attachment to the land remains strong.
Environmental protection versus political cost
Adom-Otchere concluded that without a humane and inclusive resettlement plan, the government risks trading environmental restoration for widespread political discontent.
He warned that protecting wetlands at the expense of livelihoods could erode public trust and weaken the NDC’s electoral fortunes in 2028.
