The Ramsar Convention, established in 1971, is an international treaty aimed at protecting wetlands of global significance. Ghana is home to six Ramsar sites - Densu Delta, Keta Lagoon Complex, Songhor, Sakumo, and Muni Lagoon and the most recent addition being the Owabi wildlife sanctuary in the Ashanti region - spanning a total area of 205.162 hectares.

Encroachment on these sites has been a significant concern, particularly at the Sakumo Ramsar Site. Despite its official designation in 1992, about one-third of the site had already been developed for settlements. By 2013, studies highlighted ongoing encroachment issues driven by corruption, inadequate monitoring and the activities of estate developers. By 2023, reports revealed that 50% of Sakumo's core area had been infringed upon, resulting in loss of biodiversity, reduced carbon sequestration, disrupted local climate regulation, and less effective natural flood control.

The Sakumo Ramsar Site in Ghana, like many other ecologically sensitive areas, faces significant challenges due to corruption. Common corrupt practices identified include unauthorized sale of wetland areas by individuals or groups, often involving collusion between land guards, traditional leaders, and public officials. The latter accepts bribes to issue permits for illegal activities such as sand mining, construction, waste dumping (plastics, chemicals, and solid waste). Corruption among law enforcement agencies and environmental regulators leads to a lack of enforcement of laws protecting the Ramsar site. Funds allocated for the conservation and management of the Ramsar site are embezzled or misused by officials and politicians. Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs) use their influence to protect illegal activities or block enforcement actions in exchange for financial or political support.

In response, several measures have been taken to curb further encroachment. In October 2022, the government, led by the then Minister Henry Quartey, launched a demolition to remove unapproved buildings on Ramsar sites, aiming to prevent flooding and preserve wetlands.

The Greater Accra Regional Security Council (REGSEC) declared Ramsar sites like Sakumo Lagoon and Densu Delta as security zones, halting construction and tightening oversight.

Civil society groups, like Arocha Ghana, have urged the government to combat illegal mining and strengthen Ramsar site protections through advocacy and the issuance of public statements.