The Municipality of Ablekuma North embarks on a demolition exercise

General News of Saturday, August 3, 2019

Source: ghananewsagency.org

2019-08-03

The Ablekuma North Municipal Assembly pledged Friday in a demolition exercise in the Odorkor post office area in Accra to allow unauthorized structures to prepare properly.

The exercise, organized in conjunction with Odorkor's Divisional Police Command, was held from 1:00 to 7:00 am; The ACP Samuel Alordey, Commanding Officer of the Odorkor Command, told the Ghana News Agency in an interview.

He explained that the exercise involved eliminating unauthorized structures, drug dealers, thieves, prostitutes and other villains.

He said the division was well-informed about turning the place into a den of thieves and a hub for stolen goods, prostitutes, tobacco peddlers and Indian smokers. They also received several flight case reports and sent patrol teams several opportunities.

He added that the Ablekuma North Municipal Assembly was also aware of their activities and had therefore decided to rid them of it.

Mr. Lucky Gati, a graphic designer working in a store in the same area, told the GNA that about a week ago a notice bearing the word "REMOVE" was stuck on the walls. The information was inadequate. "We were not given details on when we had to leave before this surprise attack against us."

He added that on Thursday, August 1, members of the team had been informed of the notification, which they had unsuccessfully claimed for an extension.

Mr. Gati, who is also a member of a cultural dance group in the region, said that he had received a call regarding the current exercise at about 4 pm is rushed to the spot to confirm the news.

He stated that he found his container, which he operated in a wholesale business of drinks and mineral water destroyed, adding that he was not allowed to bring his business into a safe place.

"We informed chiefs and landowners and some of them came to review the situation. They promised to pay us, but even if I expected, when and how could I raise money to start another business?

"What I know is that every time a demolition exercise is about to be completed, citizens are well informed when this exercise will take place and aside from the fact that funds are paid as compensation for the destruction of their property can move, "he added.

Ms. Patricia Lamptey, another affected victim, felt that she should have had plenty of time to work on their relocation and that the notice received did not contain any details about when they would move.

She expressed her disappointment at the demolition mode, adding that the organization of a demolition at dawn was an invasion of privacy.

"What they did was very bad because most people may not be here by then. Some of us even traveled to attend a funeral and were called back. Two of my structures were destroyed: my house and a shop. We also lost a lot of other things, "she added.

Ms. Lamptey said that they would dialogue with the municipality and initiate contacts with the landowners and chiefs who rented them the land.

"We are very surprised that, since the beginning of this exercise, none of the leaders have come to say or do anything for us. We are very disappointed with them, "she added.

During a guided tour of the affected area, GNA found that the exercise covered the entire area surrounding the Odorkor Post Office. crosswalk. Shops, wooden structures, bars and ghettos have all been razed.

Dozens of affected individuals were seen rummaging through debris to save their property, while others also gathered to watch.