Lions Commence Sakumo Ramsar Site Restoration

Lions Club International, District 418 – Ghana is pleased to proclaim the commencement of restoration efforts at the Sakumo Ramsar Site, an important wetland ecosystem in Ghana. The objective of the project is to improve the ecological health of the site, increase its biodiversity, and safeguard its vital function as a natural habitat for numerous species.

The Ramsar Convention, a global agreement for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands, has designated the Sakumo Ramsar Site as a wetland of international importance. The site serves a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity, sustaining fisheries and forest resources, and providing a habitat for numerous migratory bird species.

Due to human activities such as human settlement and habitation, waste Dumping, Sewage and pollution, Open burning with its impact on the climate, and deforestation, the Sakumo Ramsar Site has experienced some encroachment and degradation over the years. The objective of the restoration project is to reverse this trend by enhancing the wetland's condition, promoting the preservation of its wildlife, and mitigating future threats.

The restoration process entails planting 300 trees for the reforestation of vital areas and educating local youth on how to care for and protect the trees.

Consequently, Lions Clubs International collaborates with the Ministry of Environment Science, Technology & Innovation, Ministry of Lands & Forestry, Ministry of Local Government, Decentralization & Rural Development, Greater Accra Regional Minister, Department of Wildlife & Forestry, Tema West Municipal Assembly (TWMA), Environmental Protection Agency, Diplomatic Corps & Representatives, District Director of Education (TWMA), and The Headmasters of Tema West Municipal Assembly.

Lion Emmanuel Kojo Gyimah, PMJF, District Governor of Lions District 418, Ghana, exclaimed, "We are thrilled to finally begin restoration work at Sakumo Ramsar Site." He continued, "This project is an important step toward restoring biodiversity and improving the health of this vital wetland ecosystem." This is the initial phase of our Environmental endeavor at the Ramsar Site in Sakumo. This is the Ghana Flagship Environment Project for the 2022-23 Lions Service Year for District 418. The objective of the initiative is to restore and preserve the Sakumo Ramsar Site to international standards. This will entail planting a variety of tree species, including Mahogany, Acacia, Montalls, Albizia Lebbeck, and Blighia Sapida.

Lion Commodore Steve Obimpeh, chairman of the District Environment Committee, stated, "Restoring the Sakumo Ramsar Site not only benefits the environment, but also promotes the well-being of local communities, sustains vital ecosystems, and increases the biodiversity of the wetland."

The restoration project at Sakumo Ramsar Site was initiated by the Honorable O. B. Amoah, Minister of State, Ministry of Local Government, Decentralization & Rural Development (MLGDRD), and is expected to last five years. Upon completion of the project, the ecological health and biodiversity of the site are anticipated to improve significantly. The public is encouraged to monitor the status of the restoration project, contribute to conservation and restoration efforts, and visit the site to observe its restored habitat.

Lions chapters International is the largest service club organization in the world, with over 1.4 million members in approximately 46,000 chapters located in over 200 countries and regions. We concentrate on five global issues: vision, diabetes, the environment, childhood cancer, and hunger.