Occupants of Church built on Lashibi Ramsar site given 1-week to pack out before demolition – Nsemkeka
Occupants of the House of Gilgal Prayer Ministry, a church located at Lashibi, have been given a one-week ultimatum to vacate the premises ahead of a demolition of the building.
This is part of an ongoing demolition exercise being carried out by the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council (GARCC).
The exercise targets buildings that are located in waterlogged areas to reclaim and preserve the Ramsar site, which serves as a critical flood buffer and habitat for wildlife.
The church structure, which has stood on the Ramsar site for the past five years, is reportedly the oldest building at the location and has previously escaped a similar demolition exercise.
On day two of the GARCC-led operation, occupants of the church were seen packing chairs and other belongings from the premises, complying with the eviction notice.
In an interview with JoyNews on Wednesday, May 28, Pastor Deborah Odumang of the House of Gilgal Prayer Ministry appealed to the authorities for leniency.
“Please be patient with us, we will leave,” she pleaded, requesting a week to properly vacate the structure. Her plea was subsequently granted.
When she was questioned about her presence on the land, Pastor Odumang stated that she was not aware that the land was not meant for such occupation.
According to her, the church had initially planned to relocate three years ago, but decided to remain when no action was taken against them.
Pastor Odumang also revealed that she shares the premises with her mother and sister, making them the three main occupants of the structure.
Read also: G/A Regional Minister leads demolition of illegal structures on Lashibi Ramsar site