Tema, July 20, GNA – The immediate surroundings of the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) have taken a new shape as the numerous wooden structures and containers positioned haphazardly by traders have been cleared.
The Ghana News Agency in Tema saw that the back of the TMA building towards the frontage of the Standard Chartered Bank at the Community Central Business Area and its environs, which used to have some traders, displaying their wares in wooden structures and tables had all been cleared leaving the place empty and free for pedestrians.
Mr Frank Asante, the TMA Public Relations Officer, told the GNA in Tema that the exercise was the first in a series to be carried out to ensure the removal of encroachers from unauthorized places.
Mr Asante said the exercise was carried out by the Works Department Taskforce with support from the Ghana Police Service, Tema Regional Command.
He said the TMA decided to start from the Assembly’s immediate environment to send a signal to others that they would not be spared if operating and residing in structures situated in unacceptable places.
He said the exercise was generally peaceful as there was no resistance from affected persons due to the engagement and notices issued to them ahead of the exercise.
The exercise, he noted, took place also at the defunct meridian hotel area, which was cleared of abandoned trailers and structures.
Other areas were, the Community Seven Evergreen Area, that have unauthorized structures impeding the growth of some trees planted by the Assembly.
Containers situated at the Vienna City-Star bite area at Community Eight were also not spared by the task force.
The PRO said the team also saw to it that a 30-wooden structure settlement at the ‘white house’ known as “Agric City” located between the Health Directorate and the Agric Department was raised down.
Some squatters, who also found it convenient to put up structures on land designated for the construction of an education directorate, also had their ‘houses’ cleared from the premises.
GNA