Demolition Debacle”: Kwabenya Exercise Raises Questions and Concerns
A demolition exercise alleged to be ordered by the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Ga East, Mr. Edmund Agboh at Kwabenya has sparked controversy, as affected parties contest ownership of the land said to belong to the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC).
The demolition targeted structures allegedly belonging to one Alhaji Salifu Sinkare Zorkjiah, a businessman who had reportedly developed property on the disputed land.
Speaking to Asafotse Nii Tettey Adjei, NDC Branch Chairman at Kwabenya, he claimed the land in question was acquired by President Dr.Kwame Nkrumah for the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission. However, he alleged that after GAEC erected its perimeter wall, portions of the land behind it were released to private developers for projects aimed at creating employment opportunities.
According to Nii Tettey, GAEC no longer has an interest in the said land, which has since been allocated to private developers.
Adding to the controversy, Mr. Seth Kudjo, one of the affected developers, stated that he contacted the Regional Minister, Hon. Linda Akweley Ocloo, who denied granting approval for the demolition.
Mr. Kudjo further argued that the demolition was unlawful, as developers had already secured the necessary permits from the Assembly and were in the process of completing full payment for the land. He expressed disappointment that the MCE went ahead with the demolition despite these facts.
He therefore called for an investigation into the matter, insisting there was no justification for the MCE’s directive to pull down the property.
