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The Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources has denied refuted claims that it authorized the demolition of structures at Old Fadama rendering many homeless.
The demolition which has been condemned by many stakeholders leaves the affected residents including innocent children at the mercy of COVID-19.
According to reports, the demolition which happened during the lockdown period was to pave way for the dredging of the Korle Lagoon ahead of the rainy season.
However, the Sanitation Ministry denied its involvement in the demolition exercise of structures of old Fadama in a press statement.
The statement reads;
“The demolition of structures does not come under the mandate of the Ministry of Sanitation of Water Resources. Such exercises are within the mandate of the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies”.
Below is the full press release;
PRESS RELEASE
SUBJECT: DEMOLITION OF STRUCTURES AT OLD FADAMA–REJOINDER
The attention of the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources has been drawn to news broadcast and commentary in a section of the media with regards to the demolition exercise carried out at Old Fadama, on April 15, 2020.
(2) The Ministry wishes to inform the general public that no such exercise has been authorized or undertaken by her officials, therefore, the attempt to project the Ministry as an institution involved in the abuse of the rights of citizens living in Agbogbloshie is unfortunate.
(3) It must be noted that the demolition of structures does not come under the mandate of the Ministry of Sanitation of Water Resources. Such exercises are within the mandate of the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies.
(4) For the avoidance of doubt, the Mayor of Accra, Hon. Mohammed Adjei Sowah, under whose jurisdiction the exercise was carried out, has been at pains to explain the circumstances of the situation.
(5) We therefore call on the public to disregard the assertions and rather partner the Ministry to propagate the message of good personal hygiene and environmental cleanliness, which we need in our communities now more than ever. The key to fighting the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic starts with the maintenance of good personal hygiene and clean environments.
(6) We would be most grateful for the publication of this Rejoinder to set the records straight.
—The End—
Signed
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