Squatters resist demolition exercise at Achimota

Accra, Feb.18, GNA - Residents of Achimota a suburb of Accra, clashed with the police during a demolition exercise on Thursday. The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) sought for protection from the police to enable them conduct a successful exercise, which degenerated into a clash.

Police Superintendent Sylvester Boyo, Greater Accra Regional Operations Commander said there had been a prior notice to residents over a year that they should vacate the premises for developmental projects to take place, and therefore did not expect any kind of resistance from them.

He said the exercise started at about 0500 hours, with few unarmed police personnel to supervise, but were attacked by the residents, calling for a re-enforcement.

"The attack came as a surprise to us, since we have embarked on several demolition exercises and therefore expected this to be normal for the AMA," he said.

Supt. Boyo said more than 90 residents were arrested detained at the Tesano police station to assist the police conduct investigations. He said a police personnel who received serious injuries was rushed to the hospital, while a vehicle belonging to the police was destroyed. Most of the residents wailed for losing their properties which they claimed they had toiled for many years to acquire them.

Some alleged that the notice given to them by the AMA was too short. An eyewitness told the Ghana News Agency on condition of anonymity that the exercise was good because the area served as a hideout for criminals who snatched mobile phones, bags and other valuables from people during the night. 18 Feb. 10