Effects of human encroachment on Wetlands in Ghana: The case of Sakumono Ramsar site

Abstract

The study set out to examine the effects of human encroachment on the Sakumo Ramsar Site. Descriptive and cross-sectional designs were employed to study 102 household heads from Lahibi, Sakumono, Klagon and Tema, as well as the Director of the Wildlife Department. Interview schedules were used to collect quantitative data from household heads, while interview guide was used to solicit qualitative data from the Director of the Wildlife Department. The quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, such as means, modes, medians, percentages and Mann Whitney U test. The qualitative data were presented as discussions. The study revealed that there were seasonal and permanent spatiotemporal changes in the Sakumo Ramsar Site. These were seen in the size, saturation and vegetal cover of the land. The most harmful land use of the site was those that related to construction as this had taken up significant portions of the site and was adding to bare surface areas in the wetlands. The major factor contributing to encroachment on the Ramsar Site was the corruption and poor monitoring of officials that allowed estate developers to use the lands for construction.The Wildlife Department was advised to embark on environmental education into the communities around the Sakumo wetlands. Collaboration among relevant environmental protection institutions for the enforcement environmental laws against encroachment on the wetlands was also suggested. Household heads were advised to report all illegal land uses of the wetlands to the relevant environmental protection authorities for action and redress.