Four military personnel and a police officer have been accused of destroying a changfan machine being used by volunteers to dredge portions of the Weija Lake in an effort to improve water flow and help prevent flooding in surrounding communities.
According to eyewitnesses and volunteers operating the machine, the equipment was being used for desilting and dredging activities on the lake. They said the exercise was undertaken voluntarily to reduce the risk of flooding in the area.
The volunteers alleged that the military personnel, together with some individuals believed to be area residents, stopped the dredging operation.
They claimed the military personnel fired several shots into the machine before pulling it out and setting it ablaze.
Nana Kwame Ofori and some engineers associated with Everlasting Abundance Company questioned why the military would destroy the equipment instead of arresting the people operating it if they were believed to be engaging in an illegal activity.
According to them, the dredging operation had received permission from the Weija-Gbawe Municipal Chief Executive, Felix Odartey Lamptey. They therefore expressed surprise at the action of the military and questioned the basis for the destruction of the machine.
They insisted that they had no criminal or malicious intentions but were residents of the area who had taken it upon themselves to help address the recurring flooding situation in their community.
They said their decision to voluntarily dredge portions of the lake was influenced by the destruction of properties whenever water was released from the Weija Dam.
They argued that clearing silt and sand from the waterway would allow water to flow more freely and potentially reduce the impact of flooding on residents and their properties.
The group has consequently called for an explanation from the authorities regarding the circumstances surrounding the destruction of the changfan machine and the alleged use of firearms during the incident.
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