NGO condemns demolition of houses

Accra, July 16, GNA - An international human rights NGO, Centre on Housing Rights and Eviction (COHRE), on Monday condemned the recent demolition of houses in parts of Accra and called for an immediate cessation of all planned evictions.

It also asked the Ga West District Assembly, which carried out the demolition, to compensate those who have suffered because of the action. "We implore the government and its agencies to desist from carrying out further violations of human rights in the name of preventing floods, or for any other reason, and to find other alternative solutions that do not render persons homeless," it said in a statement in Accra. COHRE said it was concerned about the demolition exercise, which affected an estimated 300 residents of Mallam in the Ga West District, adding that this affected women and children who lost their homes, education and sourceS of livelihood.

"Those affected by the Mallam evictions of July 10, 2007 are in a desperate situation and COHRE is concerned for their welfare and that of other suburbs under threat of eviction."

The Ga West Assembly has warned residents of other areas such as Gbawe, Anyaa, Santa Maria and Mile 7 who have houses in waterways of River Baale that they face similar evictions. The Accra Metropolitan Assembly has also served notice that it would carry out demolitions of houses in waterways.

However, COHRE said forced evictions were not the answer to the problem pointing out that the non-existence of development control, corruption and laxity among some of the staff of the Assembly were to blame.

"Correcting these inefficiencies will be a major solution to the problem, rather than forcibly evicting and destroying millions of cedis worth of property.

"Many residents have become destitute and homeless. They are now living outside on the rubble that was once their homes and have become victims to elements, mosquitoes, robbers and other malfeasances. "The exercise has interrupted the education of children of school going age, for they have nowhere to sleep or study. Parents are at a loss as to what to do."

COHRE asked the government to find other alternatives to demolitions, such as desilting and dredging drains as well as educating and sensitising the public and relevant government agencies on basic issues such as the processes of acquiring land, permits and other relevant authorisation.

It said the residents recalled the promise of Vice President Alu Mahama to send a technical team to investigate the situation, adding that this was not fulfilled.

It said some victims whom they interviewed produced documents, including indentures, building permits and receipts showing payment of property rate levied by the District Assembly.

"Forced evictions are in gross violation of Ghana's national laws, regional and international human rights obligations, including the right to adequate housing, which include the rights of persons not to be forcibly evicted."

It said for an eviction to be considered lawful, it must be shown that all alternatives to eviction had been carefully considered in consultation with those affected. Adequate and proper notice must be given and legal remedies provided, including compensation and relocation, but none of these seemed to have been followed. 16 July 07