All factors were considered – STMA on demolishing of structures at Sekondi Railways

The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) says all factors were considered before a decision to demolish illegal structures at the Sekondi Railways near European Town.

Speaking on the Jolly Breakfast Show (JBS) on Skyy Power 93.5FM on Tuesday, November 15, Mr John Laste said the decision to evacuate and demolish illegal structures at the location was a thoughtful one and they considered all factors before taking that decision.

He said the residents of the said location wrote to them as an association to consider their situation and allow them to stay but after taking a second look at their situation, they still had to evacuate them because it is necessary.

“We gave them a notice about 2 years ago, which should tell you that we know what is going on there and the structures are supposed to go down.”

Per our bye-laws, since the notice we gave them has elapsed, we can move in at any time to evacuate and demolish their structures.”

Background:

Some encroachers who are occupying sections of the Sekondi Railways near European Town in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis are being evacuated.

This comes after the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan (STMA) set Monday 7th November 2022 to demolish over 400 illegal structures to make way for the relocation of traders towards the reconstruction of the Sekondi market.

This action follows the eviction notice served on owners of affected structures in 2021 and the subsequent stakeholders meeting held on Monday, 24th October 2022 at the Sekondi Youth Center. At the said meeting, all the squatters were given two weeks ultimatum, ending Sunday 6th November 2022 to remove their structures.

The Skyy News team was at the location to monitor the situation and the progress of the operation so far.

Uncle Johnny, a resident, speaking to Skyy News said the process of the exercise is a failure because the 2 weeks ultimatum was not enough.

He added that this action is also being taken because of a few bad nuts among them believed to be sex workers and even though that is the issue, these sex workers are not hurting anybody and are earning legitimate money to take care of their families.