Over 80 acres of land at Agbogbloshie, reclaimed in 2021 by the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council (GARCC) under the “Let’s Make Accra Work” initiative, are being reoccupied by scrap dealers and traders. The reclaimed land, initially cleared to reduce crime, environmental hazards, and health risks, was earmarked for projects like the Ablekuma Central Municipal Hospital.
Within two weeks, the squatters had broken parts of the protective wall, erected wooden structures, and occupied areas stretching from the Abossey Okai Central Mosque to the Odaw River bridge. Some tied flags of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to their structures, claiming entitlement following the change in government.
A leader among the group, Rashid Moro, stated that their occupation was temporary, awaiting formal engagement with a new municipal chief executive. However, the Onion Sellers Association denied involvement, noting they had accepted their relocation to Adjen Kotoku years ago.
Former Greater Accra Regional Minister, Henry Quartey, who led the 2021 demolition, expressed concerns about the return of squatters, emphasizing the health, crime, and environmental benefits achieved through the reclamation. He criticized the current administration for allowing the situation to revert.
Efforts to address the issue have faced resistance, with reports of threats, including gun confrontations, deterring intervention.
