The Accra Metropolitan Chief Executive Dr. Alfred Oko Vanderpuije, seems to have been emboldened by the president’s State of the Nation address as he vows to embark on massive demolition to rid the city of unauthorised structures. The assembly which plans to make Accra the Millennium City has had recent exercises embarked upon including demolition exercises and the sacking of squatters with the aim of decongesting the city which have been met with stiff opposition. But Dr. Vanderpuije says he feels more empowered after the president's statement where he (President) unequivocally endorsed the demolition exercise. Recent media publications hinted that the president was not happy with the work of the Mayor and there were rumours that he was going to be replaced by the MP for Kpone Katamanso Nii Laryea Afotey Agbo. But speaking in an interview with Adom FM’s Kofi Adomah, Mr. Vanderpuije said he felt very emotional when he heard the president calling on assemblies to remove all unauthorized structures. In the president’s address he charged assemblies to let the action year reflect in all their activities. “In this action year, I expect District, Municipal and Metropolitan Chief Executives to mount a serious check on violations of regulations and bye-laws and remove unauthorized structures which obstruct access to markets, drains and fire hydrants,” President Mills urged. According to Dr. Vanderpuije the president's call made him very emotional and has gingered him into taking further action against lawlessness. “I felt very emotional you see, this is a president who believes in doing the right thing and the way we as Ghanaians have politicised everything is not good for this country. I was so glad to hear him say that, because anytime we want to go on demolition people bring politics into it” he said. He said his administration was committed to ensuring that the bye-laws of the assembly are enforced, and the city of Accra transformed. “For far too long we have allowed the destruction of our community and that has to stop. No way! I am not going to give up, I will do my work till the last minute, and so I will go ahead with more demolition exercises in this action year” the Mayor declared. Story by Kofi Adomah/Adom News