Nude demo threat won't stop Novotel traders ejection - Accra Mayor

Details

Parent Category: Main

Created on Saturday, 01 May 2010 00:00

Published Date

Nude demo threat won't stop Novotel traders ejection - Accra Mayor

Accra Metropolitan Assembly Chief Executive, Dr. Alfred Okoe Vanderpuije has vowed to carry on with the assembly's agenda for

 the ejection of traders currently occupying the park near the Novotel Hotel in Accra Central in spite of their threats to embark on a nude demonstration.

The ejection comes off at the week-end and he says nothing whatsoever will stop the exercise. The assembly is in the meantime using the days leading to the weekend to mobilize resources and to prepare.

He told Ekuorba Gyasi on Adom FM's programme on Tuesday that the assembly cannot be deterred from its obligations by threats.

A section of the traders have threatened to march to the Osu Castle, seat of government, to implore the presidency to intervene and stop the AMA from ejecting them from the spot because that is where they earn their livelihood. And they said they will carry out the public march nude.

But Alfred Vanderpuije said principles, not threats, should guide the actions of all, explaining that the assembly has prepared a more befitting space at the Pedestrian Shopping Mall at Odawna for the 1,490 traders who are recognized at the Novotel Park. In addition, dedicated spots have been provided for the loading and offloading of goods at the new site.

He intimated that the traders at the Novotel Hotel, with whom he has been working for the past seven months or so, have agreed to relocate to the new spot, however it is another group of workers at the nearby Tema Station who fear they would be the next group to be ejected from their present location, who are protesting the exercise.

The AMA says it is reclaiming the space for development projects and would not allow anyone to return to it once the exercise is over at the weekend.

Story by Isaac Yeboah/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana