Personnel from National Security, the Ghana Armed Forces and the Ghana Police Service have arrested six individuals during a raid on the controversial China Mall construction site at Kenkey Factory in Koforidua for allegedly defying a stop-work order issued by the Eastern Regional Security Council (REGSEC).
The operation was carried out following reports that the developers had resumed construction activities despite directives from REGSEC to halt work until agreed drainage improvement works in the area were completed.
National Security officials have since declared the site a restricted zone and warned that anyone found loitering around the premises could be arrested. The area has also been cordoned off by security personnel.
The latest development comes weeks after Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, inspected the project site and ordered the suspension of construction over concerns about flooding and drainage challenges.
Accra-based Citi News reported that National Security operatives first stormed the site at about 9 p.m. on Thursday, June 11, during a heavy rainstorm. A security guard, reportedly the only person present at the time, was arrested during that operation.
Authorities say the developers resumed work after holding discussions with Nana Kwaku Boateng III in an attempt to secure support for the continuation of the project.
However, security officials insist that the developers were required to complete drainage reconstruction works before any construction activity could resume.
During a follow-up operation on Friday, June 12, six workers were arrested at the site, while several others reportedly fled into nearby bushes upon seeing the security team arrive.
Authorities further disclosed that some of the Chinese developers locked themselves inside one of the buildings on the premises and refused to come out during the operation.
The China Mall project has generated significant public concern, with residents and motorists alleging that the development is being undertaken on a riparian zone that previously served as a natural channel for stormwater from the Nsukwao stream and other nearby waterways.
Residents argue that ongoing construction activities have worsened flooding in the area, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.
Before work commenced on the project, the developers reportedly entered into an agreement with REGSEC and the Koforidua Municipal Assembly to reconstruct a drainage system near the traffic-light intersection to improve water flow and reduce flood risks.
Commenting on the matter, Eastern Regional National Security Coordinator Francis Annoh-Dompreh condemned what he described as the developers’ disregard for the stop-work directive.
He warned that security agencies would not tolerate actions that endanger public safety, regardless of the nationality of those involved.
Mr Annoh-Dompreh also cautioned Ghanaian workers against returning to the site while the stop-work order remains in effect.
ALSO READ:
Source: Adomonline.com
