Structures housing several families described as squatters at the Accra Race Course were this morning demolished under police watch.
The old Race Course near the Ohene Djan Sports Stadium is the site for the construction of a multi-million dollar five-star hotel by Cascade Development Limited.
The developers claim they legally acquired the land from the Government of Ghana, however repeated attempts to eject the squatters, several of whom have lived there for years either as jockeys or stable boys, have proved futile.
Several busloads of armed policemen arrived early morning to cordon off the area, while a section of the squatters claimed the early morning exercise was unexpected and are angry they are being forced to look for ‘new homes’.
Reporting from the scene, Joy news’ Kweku Obeng Adjei said the exercise started about 7:00am with over 200 armed police men on hand to supervise as a bulldozer tore through the structures; mainly concrete frames and wooden fittings.
There was not much resistance beside verbal protestations. The squatters claimed they had been notified to vacate the land, however, they thought a July ending deadline they pleaded for was yet to expire.
Most of them had their belongings in their rooms and those on hand were allowed to salvage what they could. Those who had moved out before the exercise were prevented from going back as the police drove virtually everyone away.
There was no representative of the developers at the site for comment.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
Latest Stories
-
Africa Food Systems Parliamentary Network urges governments to increase investment in agriculture
1 hour -
AU and partners urge youth to get involved in efforts to transform continent’s food systems
2 hours -
Fire kills 3-year-old at Asawase-Dagomba Line in Ashanti Region
2 hours -
Paskal A.B. Rois: How Mahama inspires me
2 hours -
Complete abandoned projects in Akatsi North District – Chiefs to Mahama
2 hours -
Painter and sculptor B. Acheampong turning his passion for art into profitable venture
3 hours -
Presidential lodge, RM residency in Ashanti region left to rot away
4 hours -
Herty Corgie highlights the essence of gratefulness in ‘My Gratitude’
6 hours -
ANNOUNCEMENT: Joy FM temporarily goes off air January 11
6 hours -
Yango honored with two titles at the Technovation Africa Awards 2024
6 hours -
Aowin Traditional Council declares war on illegal mining with spiritual intervention
6 hours -
Leadership must ensure equity for all citizens, regardless of faith – Asiedu Nketiah
6 hours -
Prof. Alex Manu appointed Executive Director at Centre for Social Justice
6 hours -
Imminent changes within some key security agencies, state institutions, and its implications
6 hours -
There are more women than men, but there’s a man for every woman – Rev. Nana Yaa
7 hours