Startling revelations have emerged following a recent demolition exercise in Nima, a bustling suburb of Accra, which has sparked accusations of land grabbing against the government.
A Kofi TV report sheds light on the destruction of a school building, a church facility, and a prominent workshop housing over 100 engineers in the area.
The land in question, believed to hold historical significance, was home to a school building, a church facility, and a diverse workshop specializing in various engineering disciplines, including electric welding, electrical mechanics, gas welding, engine repair, and more.
Heartbroken residents returned from work to find their homes and livelihoods reduced to rubble. While acknowledging receipt of evacuation notices, they claim they were left in the dark about the timing of the demolition.
An affected resident, who preferred to remain anonymous, lamented the loss of their livelihoods, stating, “They are now destroying people’s shops. Some of us, this is where we get our daily bread. You did not relocate us, you did not find new jobs for us.” The resident argued that had the land truly belonged to the government, it would have been repurposed for public use long ago.
The workshop, a hub of skilled professionals, was a testament to expertise in various fields, including air conditioning, engine repair, and more. “This place is a fitting shop, with different specialists,” the resident explained. “We had over 30 experts… If I tell you we were not notified, I will be lying. We were notified, and we showed it to the chiefs here.” The account further details a night of disruption, as police and utility officials descended upon the area, disconnecting utilities and leaving residents powerless.
The demolition has taken a toll on the community, particularly its children. Some returned from school to find their homes razed to the ground, leading to tears and bewilderment. Appeals for relocation have reportedly yielded no results.
Kofi TV’s investigation brings to light a significant twist. The government’s alleged plan to incorporate the land into the ambitious “Agenda 111” project, which aims to enhance healthcare infrastructure, has raised eyebrows.
Local residents and chiefs maintain that they were kept in the dark about the government’s intentions, and they question the legality of the land acquisition. Some even speculate that the demolition might be a strategic manoeuvre to seize the land for private interests.
The land’s proximity to the President’s residence, the Nima police station, and the Nima roundabout has added a layer of complexity to the situation. Local chiefs have expressed their anger and concern over the government’s actions, further fuelling suspicions of a hidden agenda.
As this saga unfolds, questions about transparency, accountability, and the rights of long-standing residents loom large.