Ashaiman: A joint national security taskforce has commenced a significant demolition exercise along the N2 corridor from the Ashaiman Roundabout to Afienya to facilitate a major road construction project aimed at alleviating traffic congestion in the area. The operation, which began at dawn on Thursday and continued through Sunday in phases, focused on removing structures encroaching on the designated road reservation.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Richard Jakpa, the National Security Coordinator leading the operation, emphasized the necessity of the demolition to clear the encroached portions of the road and allow construction works to proceed. He explained that the project is part of broader efforts to enhance road infrastructure and reduce traffic congestion on the busy N2 corridor, a critical link between Accra and other parts of the country.
Mr. Jakpa further noted that affected individuals had been given ample notice to vacate the area to facilitate the project, but many failed to comply with the directive. "We gave enough time for all affected persons to relocate to enable contractors to move to the site, but some did not heed the directive, hence the need to enforce the demolition," he stated.
He stressed that national development requires difficult decisions and highlighted that road construction is a vital component of economic growth and urban mobility. Mr. Jakpa urged Ghanaians to support efforts aimed at improving the country's transport systems, noting that infrastructure development, such as roads, is critical to national progress.
Meanwhile, some affected residents expressed mixed reactions to the demolition exercise. While some acknowledged receiving adequate notice and supported the authorities' actions, others strongly disagreed, claiming their properties were not initially earmarked for demolition. They alleged wrongful destruction of their buildings, resulting in significant financial losses amounting to millions of cedis. "We were told our structures were not within the affected zone, so this came as a shock. We have lost everything," lamented Mr. Sasu, an affected resident.
However, another resident mentioned being informed earlier and thus prepared for the demolition, stating, "though painful, it is for a good cause."
The Ghana News Agency observed that over a thousand buildings along both sides of the N2 corridor from the Ashaiman Roundabout to Afienya were demolished during the exercise. Among the affected structures was the KAMSBEG Zonal Council office of the Kpone-Katamanso Municipal Assembly (KKMA). The demolition is expected to clear the right of way for contractors to proceed seamlessly.