Trade Fair Demolition: 'I thought these things stopped even in hell'- Franklin Cudjoe

Following the demolition of a multi-million dollar factory belonging to renowned journalist Raymond Archer by officials of National Security on Sunday dawn, many Ghanaians are calling out government for the harsh action.

Several properties of Universal Labels & Packaging Company Limited and Colour Planet Limited were damaged by the state security agency at the Trade Fair Centre in Accra as a result of the demolition.

“But really, who does this? Demolish a $12m factory creating hundreds of jobs for political rather than truthful economic reasons? I thought these things stopped even in hell. The Trade Fair Authority has told JOY FM, they cannot explain their plunderous mid-night demolition and rather defer to the Information Ministry! Bizarre!!” President of Imani Africa chastised in a post sighted by MyNewsGh.com.

Several other notable Ghanaians have criticised the action of the National Security.

Renowned investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni wrote: Whoever ordered the demolition knows that if Raymond Archer and others go to court and obtain judgment, the huge compensation will be paid by the tax payer and nothing will happen to him or her. Someone with too much knowledge will then try to convince me that the reason we are not developing is the white man.”

Meanwhile Mr Archer has indicated that he would seek legal redress on the matter accusing government of political witch-hunt.

“Four years ago, I was here when officials came that they want to redevelop the Trade Fair so I said okay. I’m a legal tenant and my construction was actually supervised by the Trade Fair. I’ve put in $10 million here…so they started doing a whole lot of things here which made me head to court,” he recalled.

“We’ve employed over 120 workers and we are the only company in Africa that can manufacture these kinds of products. So, to see our government target this kind of business and break it down at midnight is highly unacceptable.” The renowned investigative journalist fumed.