Residents remove structures ahead of demolition

Kwesiminstim (W/R), Feb. 10, GNA - Barely two days after the Shama Ahanta East Metropolitan Assembly (SAEMA) embarked on a demolition and decongestion exercise in the metropolis, many inhabitants have started removing their unauthorised structures.

A visit by the Ghana News Agency to the Effiakuma, Anaji, Tanokrom, New Amanful and Apremdo, all suburbs of the metropolis on Friday, showed property owners removing roofing sheets and other valuables before the demolition team arrives at the scene.

Debris could still be seen gathered in several parts of the Takoradi area where the exercise took place two days ago.

Mr. John Sagoe, a trader, told the GNA in an interview that he decided to remove all that he could to prevent the demolition team from destroying the wooden structure in which he operated from. He said earlier warnings by SAEMA to decongest the metropolis had not been carried out and that the present exercise had proved successful. A visit to the Apremdo Market showed traders doing business. Most of the traders who earlier used the Market Circle as their trading points had gone back into the market.

Mr. Solomon Brenim, a businessman, said he hoped that the present exercise would be sustained to enable the Apremdo Market to become operational.

The Ghana Private Road Transport Union has opened a station for travellers to Cape Coast, Kumasi and Tarkwa at the Apremdo Market.