Head of Nmati Abonase Quarter, La Shikitele Nii Adjei Koofeh IV, has denied any involvement in the demolition of structures at Laboma Beach, insisting that he should not be blamed for the action.
According to him, the demolition was the result of repeated disregard for directives and warnings issued to occupants to stop developing the area.
La Shikitele Nii Adjei Koofeh IV said he has been wrongly targeted by some vendors and business owners affected by the exercise, stressing that he had no role in the decision to demolish the structures.
He said authorities had on several occasions cautioned occupants against continuing with construction at the site, but the warnings were allegedly ignored.
He cited directives issued by a former Regional Minister and the current Regional Minister, as well as a 21-day notice given to occupants, which he said failed to stop construction activities.
According to him, development continued at the site even after the notices had been issued, with occupants allegedly building every day despite being asked to stop.
The traditional leader further argued that the Laboma people did not own the land allegedly sold to some of the affected vendors and business owners.
He therefore urged those who claim to have purchased land at the site to pursue the persons who sold the land to them, rather than blaming him for the demolition.
He also alleged that portions of the area had been reclaimed through the filling of water bodies and clearing of mangroves before being sold to unsuspecting buyers.
La Shikitele Nii Adjei Koofeh IV maintained that the evidence presented by the authorities and details surrounding the demolition vindicate him from allegations that he played a role in the exercise.
He said the affected persons should have heeded the repeated warnings and cautions issued by the authorities, arguing that compliance could have prevented the current situation.
The demolition at Laboma Beach has affected several businesses and structures in the area, with authorities maintaining that the exercise forms part of efforts to clear developments considered illegal and protect the Kpeshie Lagoon and its surrounding areas.
The Nmati Abonase Quarter Head has consequently appealed to the affected vendors and business owners to direct their grievances to those responsible for allegedly selling them the disputed land and to allow the appropriate authorities to deal with the matter.
