Ghana protesters seek compensation after demolitions
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on MyJoyOnline
Hundreds of protesters from La communities asked Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama for compensation after businesses were demolished in Laboma, Kajano and Labadi Beach. The 29 October mobilisation also called for talks on the sites’ future, after 3,000 to 4,000 people lost jobs and income, according to MyJoyOnline.
Hundreds of residents from the La communities in Accra called for compensation after businesses were demolished in Laboma, Kajano and Labadi Beach. The protest, organised on Thursday 29 October by the Ga-Dangme Progressive Front under the slogan « Aaagbe Wɔ », ended at Jubilee House, where the protesters handed a petition to President John Dramani Mahama, MyJoyOnline reports.
The protesters are calling for government intervention, consultation with the communities concerned and precise information about the future of the demolished sites. They say the demolitions eliminated businesses that had been operating for several years and left their owners, employees and families facing economic hardship.
Former New Patriotic Party (NPP) national chairman Freddie Blay, whose company was affected, denounced an « unnecessary » operation and « extremely reckless » actions by public officials. He estimates that around 3,000 to 4,000 people have been deprived of housing and employment.
The petition was submitted by Bernard Okoe Boye, the NPP’s regional chairman for Greater Accra. A representative of the presidency accepted it on behalf of John Mahama, who was absent from the capital, and promised to pass it on to him. The move comes after the creation of a committee to determine compensation after the demolitions at La Pleasure Beach.
