Peaceful Settlers Association members in Ashaiman have unequivocally stated that they will not vacate their stores, even with an ultimatum from the Ashaiman Municipal Assembly, stating that they are the rightful owners of the disputed land. Speaking on the Big Bulletin on Thursday, May 14 with Fritz Delanyo Amegashie, the association’s spokesperson, Jeffery Eli, said the group holds title documents to the land and is prepared to vacate the land only if ordered by a court of law. “We are not going anywhere now as long as we have a title to the land,” he responded, highlighting that the property is properly documented with the relevant authorities.
Eli dismissed assertions by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), claiming that the union was attempting to seize the land without legal grounds. He added that the problem is already before the courts, at the Appeals Court today, and shouldn’t be dealt with through the use of forceful demolition, but rather through proper legal means. “The matter has not been settled in court, so why should we move?” he questioned.
The association further accused the Ashaiman Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Freeman Tsekpo, of endorsing the proposed demolition despite being shown their valid documentation. Eli said the MCE had at first approved their building plans, but then threatened to demolish the structures unless they reached an out-of-court settlement. “He told us he is the MCE and decides what to do. He said if we don’t make peace, he will demolish us and we will have nowhere to go,” Eli claimed. He also added that portions of the land had already been cleared, disrupting some members’ shops, and suggested the exercise could be meant to transfer the land to a private developer. These claims could not be independently verified at the time of the broadcast.
The impending demolition threatens the livelihoods of countless traders in close proximity to the property, and many of them would lose their businesses entirely if the exercise occurs. The association would oppose any undertaking to demolish the place without a court order, Eli insisted. “The assembly doesn’t have any order from any court to demolish our buildings,” he emphasized. The tensions in Ashaiman have flared as calls in support of the authorities’ compliance with due process and the courts’ determination of proper land ownership have become even more pronounced. The Ashaiman Municipal Assembly and the other parties mentioned in the allegations have yet to make a public response to the claims.
Editor:
Obiri-Yeboah
