You are here: HomeNews2010 09 17Article 190560

General News of Friday, 17 September 2010

Source: citifm

Fifteen fishmongers arrested

Fifteen irate fishermen and fishmongers who fiercely resisted the demolition of some unauthorized properties and the repossession of the land near the Chemu Lagoon by the Tema Municipal Assembly have been arrested.

The Tema Regional Police Commander, ACP Augustine Gyenin says the Police had to move in to ensure the officers were protected from marauding locals whom he claimed fired live bullets at the Police to resist the repossession of the land.

The angry fishmongers also alleged that the police used teargas and also fired warning shots to drive them away from the land.

Citi News Correspondent, Elvis Washington reported that some of those arrested appeared pummeled.

Police officers in the company of officials from the Tema Municipal Assembly had gone to repossess the property on Friday, September 17, after the demolition exercise which took place on Thursday under similar confusion.

The piece of land located near Chemu Lagoon close to the Tema Landing Beach has always been used by the fishmongers but Elvis Washington has reported of plans to lease out the land to a Singaporean.

Scores of angry fishmongers also besieged the Chief’s Palace in Tema and have badly vandalized the Palace.

According to an Eyewitness, three Toyota Vehicles belonging to the Chief have been destroyed including the chiefs personal vehicle. Electrical appliances and wires in the palace were also destroyed.

The Eyewitness added that the Chief’s pictures in the palace have been torn apart. An amount of 3,500 Ghana cedis was also reportedly taken by the irate fishmongers.