Accusations have been leveled by Accra-based estate developer Mr. George Oti Bonsu against Deputy Director of the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), Abu Ramadan, alleging the unauthorized demolition of his property valued at several thousand Ghana cedis.
Speaking to the media at a press conference in Accra on Monday, April 22, 2024, Mr. Benjamin Danso, spokesperson for Mr. George Oti Bonsu, disclosed that the demolition took place with a significant display of force, involving the presence of both police and military personnel.
Ten apartments, each consisting of five bedrooms, were destroyed by individuals in uniform.
According to Mr. Danso, security officers forcibly entered the property in the early hours of Sunday, April 7, 2024, seizing phones, assaulting individuals, and preventing residents from contacting the police.
He asserted that the demolition was conducted without lawful authorization, as the court had not sanctioned such action, despite pending motions.
The circumstances surrounding the demolition, including the timing and the involvement of unidentified security personnel, raised serious legal and ethical concerns.
Mr. Danso questioned the legitimacy of the operation, particularly the participation of individuals in police and military attire, suggesting potential rogue elements operating outside official protocols.
Furthermore, Mr. Danso raised doubts about the validity of documents presented by one Hajia Aisha Ahmed, alleging that they contained forged signatures and pertained to land beyond the jurisdiction of the Okpong We family, the allodial landowners.
He also questioned the authenticity of the land sale to the Second Lady, claiming that the selling party had no rightful authority to conduct such transactions.
Mr. Danso called upon the relevant security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the demolition, citing statements made by Charles Edem Agudogo, legal counsel for Hajia Aisha Ahmed, implicating his involvement in the demolition during a radio interview on Accra-based Asempa FM on April 8, 2024.
“The accusations and counterclaims surrounding the demolition underscored the complex legal and property rights issues at play, highlighting the need for a comprehensive investigation to ascertain the truth and ensure justice,” he noted.