Many individuals have defied warnings from the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) to halt the reconstruction of slums beneath electricity pylons at ECOMOG, Kwame Nkrumah Circle in Accra.
Concrete walls, which were initially erected to prevent re-entry after a fire destroyed the area, have been torn down. Despite concerns about safety and criminal activities in the area, some residents are alarmed that the renewed construction of the slums is proceeding.
One concerned resident, Sumaila Mohammed, explained, “After the area was cleared, a wall was built to prevent people from returning. However, following the elections, they’ve started rebuilding, and it’s worrying.”
He added, “The area is also a hideout for criminals, and I don’t want that in this neighbourhood.”
The pylons stand on approximately 400 meters of land along the railway lines, and during a recent visit, carpenters and other workers were seen continuing their construction efforts.
The slum’s existence has not only been a security concern but also an issue for local infrastructure. A fire that swept through the area a few months ago disrupted electricity supply to nearby communities for about a week.
Despite GRIDCo’s repeated warnings for squatters to cease rebuilding, their efforts have largely been ignored.
Mr. Mohammed stressed the need for immediate action from the authorities, saying, “The Coordinating Director for the assembly is in the office; we don’t have to wait for the Regional Minister and MCE to be appointed before measures are taken to stop the return of these people.”
The site, which is also located behind the Ghana Lebanon International Secondary School, has frequently disrupted the smooth running of the school.
Abdul Rahim Mohammed, Secretary of the education NGO Haqqul Mubeen, expressed concern, stating, “The education of our students is at risk if we allow these people to return. We don’t want our pupils to learn in an unsafe environment.”
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