In a tense situation unfolding, staff members of the University of Ghana and other residents living near the Achimota Police Station are standing firm against eviction orders issued by an unidentified private contractor.
This resistance follows a sudden demolition of houses and makeshift structures by individuals reportedly acting as land guards. The demolition, witnessed by police officers, occurred early on Sunday morning.
Benjamin Nkumsah, the Chairman of the University of Ghana Branch of the Teachers and Educational Workers Union (TEWU), voiced the occupants’ concerns.
Speaking to Channel One News, Nkumsah emphasised that the eviction was executed by land guards and thugs in the presence of the police, raising serious questions about the legality and transparency of the operation.
Nkumsah called for the immediate suspension of the eviction process and appealed directly to the Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akufo Dampare, to intervene and ensure the protection of the residents’ rights.
The affected individuals are seeking not only an end to the forced evictions but also clarity regarding the identity of the private contractor behind the operation and the legitimacy of the demolition exercise.
“I also heard this incident around 12 am. I had a call from our staff [University of Ghana staff] in Achimota. So, they called that there’s this demolition exercise happening at their residence so quickly we had to also mobilise and come and ascertain what’s happening.”
“What’s happening is that someone is putting up a building here, I don’t know who the building belongs to, but all of a sudden, they came around 12am to come and do a demolition exercise here. And I’m told that the people that came, police were there, pistols were mounted, even they were shooting around the places, so we are seeing this as an incident the State is aware which we are calling on IGP.”
“You cannot come to somebody’s residence around 12 to destroy the place, even people were in with family, at least respect the people.
“So, we are asking that whoever is in charge of this building put a stop, if not, we’ll also resist any attempt to evict our people here.”
