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In a stern move to address public health concerns, over 300 illegal settlers residing on a storm drain near Neoplan Station, around Kwame Nkrumah Interchange in Accra, have been given a two-and-a-half-month ultimatum to vacate the area.
The ultimatum was issued by Mr. Joseph Astanga, the AMA Environmental Health Analyst, during a public health sensitization campaign led by metro environmental health officers under the Joyclean Ghana Campaign.
The programme, which commenced at the OA Transport terminal, led the officers to an area near the former Boakye Matters factory premises. To their surprise, the team discovered an informal settlement where residents had constructed wooden structures directly on the storm drain.
These structures, allegedly built and rented out by some leaders for commercial purposes, including illicit activities and drinking spots, pose significant health and safety risks.
During the inspection, the officers encountered the inhalation of smoke from Indian hemp and cigarettes, creating an environment detrimental to residents’ health.
The entire enclave possesses only one entrance, raising concerns about safety during emergencies such as fire outbreaks or flooding, where rescue operations could be hindered.
In an interview following the exercise, Mr. Astanga emphasized that if the settlers do not comply within the stipulated two-and-a-half-month period, the AMA task force will proceed to demolish the structures.
He highlighted the settlers’ disregard for the potential dangers associated with their decisions, emphasizing the risk of major floods carrying away the entire settlement. The move aims to mitigate health hazards and ensure the safety of both residents and emergency response personnel.
