The spokesperson for the Peaceful Settlers Association at Ashaiman Traffic, Jeffrey Elli, has warned that traders are prepared to go “boot for boot” if authorities attempt to demolish their shops again.
He explained that the group does not want violence, but they will not sit back and watch their shops destroyed for the third time. “We are not going to be violent, but we shall defend ourselves if the need has to be,” he said.
This renewed tension comes after the traders accused the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Freeman Tsekpo, of supporting a private developer to take over their land, despite a court injunction stopping any work on the property.
Speaking in an interview with Asaase News, Elli stated that the traders have already suffered two demolitions in the past, which he says caused serious emotional and health challenges among members.
“Our members are dying, some are hospitalized, some are having high BP because of his actions,” he lamented. He also insisted that they will not allow a third demolition, stressing that the continuous attempts by authorities to clear the land have pushed them to the edge.
Elli went on to describe the situation as unfair and dangerous, accusing the MCE of acting “as if he is higher than the court.” He said the private developer continues to work on the land with the support of the MCE, even though an injunction is in place.
“It happened the first time, it happened the second time, but we will not allow that to happen the third time again. That will not happen. It will be boot for boot,” he warned.
He further appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to intervene and address the situation before it escalates further.
Source: asaaseradio.com
