In order to prevent recurring floods, the Okaikoi South Sub-Metropolitan District settlement of Kofikrom has been designated by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) for the destruction of over 100 unlawful constructions.
After many encounters between Public Health Officers and squatters, the La court issued an order for them to leave the area owing to the threat their actions posed to public safety. The exercise is in response to that order.
Gilbert Nii Ankrah, the AMA's head of public affairs, explained in a media interview that the Assembly was unable to efficiently desilt the storm drain because of the constructions on it and the dumping of trash into the drains, which results in flooding whenever it rains.
He mentioned that people who live in the buildings also defecate in the drain, which spreads illnesses and encourages illegal activity.
He also mentioned that some of the residents run kraals in unsanitary circumstances with foul odours and insects.
According to accounts, some of these squatters pour their waste into nearby buildings, including those belonging to businesses like the ECG Technical Office, Duraplast Company Limited, and Ashfoam Limited.
"We have had alleged reports of how some of them jump into the nearby company to steal on several occasions… Most of the structures are believed to be used as brothels by sex workers as well, " he added.
Mr Nii Ankrah added that because of constant terrorization by criminals who use the buildings as their hideouts, the unlawful structures have brought about a condition of fear in the neighbourhood.
He said that if the inhabitants disobey the notifications handed to them, the Assembly will step in to expel them forcibly.
He also said that this was not the first time they have been ordered to leave the area.