A group calling itself the Coalition of La Youth Association (COLA) will on Tuesday, November 22, 2016 hit the streets in protest against government’s intention to eject residents from their homes in the Greater Accra Region to pave way for the Marine Drive Investment Project which seeks to develop the beachfront in Accra.
A member of the group, Nii Yeboah, who confirmed this to Pulse.com.gh said the move forms part of series of protests aimed at preventing foreigners from taking over their lands.
The demonstration dubbed ‘Ja Agba Bo’, which literally means ‘unless you are told’, will kick off from La and proceed through the principal streets of Ga communities along the coast.
The group also demands the return of the Accra Community Centre to the Ga Traditional Council to be used for skills development training, a cultural heritage centre and for other social functions.
Background
The Marine Drive project which covers an area of 200 acres stretching from the Osu Christianborg Castle beach front to the Baiden Powell, near the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum aims to make the area of the city a trade and economic hub in the West African sub-region.
The multi million-dollar project is expected to be executed on a Public Private Partnership (PPP) basis in line with government’s PPP policy approved in 2011.
The Marine Drive project will have tourist resorts with facilities such as hotels, shopping malls, casinos, office complex and theme parks among others.
Other components in the project include a mini-golf course, 15-floor office complex for the Ministry of Tourism, conference and exhibition centres as well as a recreational centre and a beach football pitch.
The project, when completed, is expected to attract more investment in trade and improve tourism in addition to generating revenue and employment and increase foreign exchange earnings.
The Tourism Minister, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare revealed last month that all is set for the project to commence following cabinet’s approval and “extensive consultations with all stakeholders.”
But residents have refused to move to pave way for the project to begin.
Nii Torgbor Abrenseh III, the Shippi of Osu Anorhor who happens to be one of the custodians of the land had earlier said that “No attempt was made to engage the elders and people of Anorhor or Osu in general before the issuing of this Instrument.”
He said: “No respect was accorded the chiefs and people of Osu in this blatant takeover of our ancestral lands.
His daughter subsequently told Pulse.com.gh that government must reconsider its decision else the “blood of our forefathers will deal with them.”
When Pulse.com.gh contacted the Tourism Minister, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, she only indicated that there is “no cause for alarm. We want to take our time and ensure that everybody understands before we make progress.”
Credit: Pulse Ghana
