Audio By Carbonatix
Editor in chief of the Crusading Guide Newspaper has cautioned the state not to embark on an emotionally driven demolition exercise in the wake of the twin flood and fire disaster which claimed dozens of lives.
Abdul Malik Kweku Baako Jnr said "this is not a time for outflow of emotions. If at all there must be demolition it must be done fairly and equitably."
His comments come days after the entire nation was struck with a major flood and fire disaster in the capital city which claimed over 150 lives and still counting.
The country is yet to come to terms with the disaster with a few playing the blame game and pointing accusing fingers at the authorities.
Whilst many blame the incident on failed leadership, others blamed the disaster on poor attitude by Ghanaians some of whom they accuse of building on water ways and dumping refuse into drains.
Ex-president John Rawlings who, like President John Mahama and Nana Akufo-Addo, went round to see the extent of destruction hinted he would have been on a demolition spree with a bulldozer if he had the opportunity.
It appears his suggestion has been heeded as some properties at Achimota have been downed with bulldozers already a day or two after the incident.
Speaking on Joy FM's Newsfile programme, Saturday, Kweku Baako Jnr said the city authorities must not demolish people's houses in haste.
He said Rawlings must not talk about bulldozers because all the while he was in office, there were bulldozers but some of the demolition exercises done under his regime had lots of questions surrounding it.
He cited the demolishing of the million dollar hotel around Airport by military men.
According to him, the then Defence Minister told Parliament the demolition of the hotel was on the instructions of the AMA and it was to prevent floods because the hotel was built on a waterway.
Kweku Baako Jnr said when the case was sent to court it turned out that the AMA had not issued any such instruction and asked the military to take responsibility for it.
In the end the state had to pay some money as compensation for the unlawful destruction.
"When a demolition is unlawful you don't talk about bulldozers..." he said adding, "people can even hide under the cover of law to do 'bulldozering' demolitions.
He said any demolition must be scientific based and fairly done without any political considerations.
Latest Stories
-
Mohammed Kudus at the heart of both Tottenham’s and Ghana’s parallel crises
6 minutes -
Free Primary Healthcare key to achieving universal health coverage – President Mahama
6 minutes -
Kpebu says OSP ruling positive, but issues remain unsettled
8 minutes -
Energy Minister engages Pakistan envoy to deepen bilateral cooperation
16 minutes -
Madina MP Sosu questions High Court directive on OSP prosecutions
16 minutes -
Self preservation isn’t selfishness – Counsellor Perfect on family pressure before marriage
25 minutes -
NDPC, VOWAC Ghana deepen collaboration on disability inclusion in development planning
25 minutes -
Fuel relief welcome, but sustainability hinges on oil windfall — Adomako-Mensah
27 minutes -
AMA moves to amend bylaws to tackle rising urban heat risks
28 minutes -
Four killed in second Turkish school shooting in two days
30 minutes -
GRA, Finance Ministry seek nominations for AI-driven customs committee
31 minutes -
More than 200 Iranian sailors stranded after US torpedo attack return home
33 minutes -
When a child chooses galamsey: The day Ghana future spoke, and it was terrifying
36 minutes -
NPP urges IGP to uphold professionalism in handling arrests
38 minutes -
Gov’t expected to absorb GH¢2 on diesel, 36ps on petrol as fuel relief measures
44 minutes