Residents of Adawso in the Akuapem North Municipality of the Eastern Region have raised concerns over the demolition of properties in the community to make way for the construction of a proposed 24-hour market.
Affected property owners, concerned elders and youth groups say some legitimate properties have been demolished without adequate consultation and meaningful engagement with the owners and other key community stakeholders.
The concerns were raised at a press conference addressed by representatives of the affected property owners and community members, including Samuel Kofi Aniegyei, who expressed dissatisfaction with the manner in which the demolition exercise was carried out.
Mr Aniegyei acknowledged the potential benefits of development projects, particularly the economic opportunities that a modern 24-hour market could bring to Adawso.
However, he argued that such development should not come at the expense of property owners whose investments and livelihoods could be affected without due process and proper consultation.
According to him, the affected properties represent significant investments made by individuals and families over several years, making it necessary for authorities to engage the owners before taking decisions that could affect their properties.
He questioned why, in his view, property owners were not adequately engaged before the demolitions and called for greater transparency concerning the proposed market project.
Mr Aniegyei stressed that community development should be pursued in a manner that balances the need for infrastructure and economic growth with the protection of the legitimate interests and rights of residents.
He therefore called on the relevant authorities to engage the affected property owners and other stakeholders in a comprehensive dialogue to find a fair and mutually acceptable resolution.
The affected residents want authorities to provide clarity on the basis for the demolition exercise, the extent of land earmarked for the proposed market and the status of the affected properties.
They are also seeking information on whether arrangements have been made for compensation or resettlement for persons whose properties have been affected.
The residents believe that a transparent engagement process would help address their concerns, prevent further tensions and create an opportunity for all parties to reach an amicable solution.
Mr Aniegyei further appealed to traditional authorities, local government officials and other relevant stakeholders to intervene in the matter and facilitate discussions between the affected property owners and the authorities responsible for the project.
He clarified that the community’s concerns should not necessarily be interpreted as opposition to the proposed 24-hour market.
Rather, he said, the residents are concerned about the manner in which the project is being implemented and the potential impact of the demolition exercise on property owners.
He maintained that development initiatives should be guided by fairness, consultation, transparency and respect for property rights.
The community is consequently urging the authorities to meet with affected property owners, elders and youth representatives before any further demolition or construction activities are undertaken.
They believe such engagement would provide an opportunity to address outstanding concerns while allowing the proposed market project to proceed in a manner that does not unfairly disadvantage affected residents.
The residents have therefore appealed for urgent intervention to prevent the matter from escalating, stressing that they remain open to dialogue and a peaceful resolution.
They also called for future development projects in Adawso Akuapem to be undertaken through proper consultation and in a manner that takes the interests and concerns of the local community into consideration.
By 1960news.com
