THE La Nkwantanang-Madina Municipal Assembly (LaNMMA) in the Greater Accra Region on Friday demolished more than 150 illegal structures near the Redco flats.
The dawn exercise, which lasted about three hours, was carried out with support from the Military, the Divisional Police Command, and assembly guards.
The affected structures were alleged to have served as hideouts for drug dealers, commercial sex workers and rival gangs whose frequent violent clashes created insecurity in the area.
Three persons who attempted to disrupt the operation were arrested.
This marks the fifth time in 12 years that the Assembly has carried out a demolition exercise in the area, though the structures often reappear after some time.
Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Alhaji Ibrahim Faila Husseini, has pledged that under his leadership, the encroachment will not be allowed to return.
He explained that the latest operation was prompted by violent clashes between armed gangs in the area, who frequently burn down each other’s makeshift shelters and exchange gunfire. The most recent incident, on August 3, resulted in three fatalities.
According to the MCE, such violence poses a serious threat to lives, disrupts legitimate businesses, and has turned the area into a hotspot for drug activity and prostitution.
“As an Assembly, we cannot sit back and allow criminal elements to ruin the reputation of this area. Wherever drug dealers operate, commercial sex work often follows closely,” he emphasized.
Alhaji Husseini added that prior notices had been issued to occupants of the illegal structures. While some complied, others defied the order.
He also revealed that plans are in motion to develop a modern marketplace on the site as part of efforts to support the government’s 24-Hour Economy initiative.
