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.
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