Cape coast: The Ghana Highway Authority (GHA) has begun demolishing structures in the Duakor, Abakam, and Ahiabobor communities to facilitate the road dualisation project along the Cape Coast - Takoradi highway. This demolition marks the end of a century-old settlement, affecting numerous residents' livelihoods.
According to Ghana News Agency, the demolition started on February 2 and targeted makeshift structures, with residents in permanent structures given time to vacate. The GHA, alongside NADMO and the Cape Coast Metropolitan Assembly, previously engaged with residents to ensure the process proceeded smoothly without confrontations.
Despite the orderly execution, affected residents expressed concerns and sought government reliefs. A resident, Mr. Francis Fiotorfor, requested compensation ranging from GHC50,000 to GHC100,000 per household. Meanwhile, Mr. Koku Avedzi suggested relocation to the Iture Lagoon banks.
NADMO's Central Regional Director, Mr. Emmanuel Kwasi Dawood Mensah, highlighted the necessity of the project and called for resettlement packages. He assured ongoing support, with temporary accommodations identified for displaced residents, while rejecting relocation to the lagoon's buffer zone.
Mr. Mensah also praised residents for their cooperation during the exercise, affirming NADMO's commitment to addressing displacement issues and ensuring the well-being of those affected.