The government has officially designated the Amanzule Wetlands in the Western Region as a protected Ramsar Site, a move aimed at strengthening conservation efforts and shielding the ecologically sensitive area from mining and other environmentally harmful activities.
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, announced the decision during the 2026 World Ocean Day celebration held at Atuabo in the Ellembelle District.
According to the Minister, the designation grants the internationally recognised wetland enhanced protection and underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding Ghana’s coastal and marine ecosystems.
“The protection of our oceans and wetlands is a shared responsibility. The government alone cannot do it. We need the active participation of local communities, development partners, the private sector, students, and all stakeholders to preserve these critical ecosystems for future generations,” Mr. Buah stated.
He called on Ghanaians to use the occasion of World Ocean Day to renew their commitment to environmental stewardship, stressing that economic development must be pursued in a sustainable manner.
As part of measures to preserve the wetland, the Minister revealed that he has directed the Minerals Commission and other regulatory agencies to revise their operational maps to reflect the new protected status of the area.
“I have instructed the Minerals Commission and all relevant agencies to redesignate the Amanzule Wetlands as a protected zone. No mining activity will be permitted within the wetlands,” he declared.
Mr. Buah noted that the move forms part of broader government efforts to halt environmental degradation and preserve biodiversity in one of Ghana’s most important wetland ecosystems.
EPA Welcomes Government’s Commitment
The Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse, described the Amanzule Wetlands as a critical ecological asset whose protection is vital to Ghana’s environmental future.
She explained that the Western Region was selected to host this year’s World Ocean Day celebration because of the strategic significance of the wetlands to national conservation efforts.
“The Amanzule Wetlands play an important role in sustaining biodiversity, regulating water systems, and supporting livelihoods. Protecting them is essential for both environmental sustainability and climate resilience,” Prof. Klutse said.
She added that the EPA has been working towards securing Ramsar recognition for the wetlands and welcomed the government’s decision to strengthen protection measures against activities that threaten the area’s ecological integrity.
Wetlands and Oceans Inseparably Linked
Also speaking at the event, the Secretary General of the Convention on Wetlands, Dr. Musonda Mumba, commended Ghana for drawing attention to the interconnectedness between wetlands and oceans during this year’s observance.
She cautioned that environmental activities occurring on land often have significant consequences for marine ecosystems, noting that illegal mining, deforestation, pollution, and climate change continue to pose serious threats to both wetlands and oceans.
“What happens on land ultimately affects our oceans. The protection of wetlands is therefore critical to preserving marine ecosystems and ensuring environmental sustainability,” Dr. Mumba stated.
She praised the commitment demonstrated by government officials, traditional authorities, local communities, and young people in protecting Ghana’s natural resources.
The Amanzule Wetlands, located within the coastal belt of the Western Region, are widely regarded as one of Ghana’s most important ecological landscapes, supporting rich biodiversity and serving as a critical habitat for numerous plant and animal species.
The declaration of the wetlands as a protected Ramsar Site is expected to strengthen conservation efforts, curb environmentally destructive activities, and enhance the long-term sustainability of the area’s unique ecosystem.
