A combined team of National Security operatives, personnel from the Ghana Armed Forces, and the Ghana Police Service has arrested six people at the disputed China Mall construction site located at Kenkey Factory in Koforidua for allegedly violating a stop-work directive.
The operation was carried out after authorities discovered that construction activities had resumed despite an order by the Eastern Regional Security Council (REGSEC) to halt all works on the project.
Following the exercise, security officers sealed off the site and declared it a restricted zone. Authorities warned that anyone found entering or loitering around the premises without authorization would be arrested.
The enforcement action follows concerns raised by the Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, who visited the site several weeks ago and ordered an immediate suspension of construction works due to flooding and drainage challenges affecting the area.
According to security officials, the first operation took place on the night of Thursday, June 11, during a heavy rainstorm. National Security officers reportedly arrested a security guard stationed at the site after discovering ongoing activities.
Reports indicate that the developers resumed construction after engaging the Omanhene of the New Juaben Traditional Area, Nana Kwaku Boateng III, in an effort to seek intervention regarding the suspension order.
However, authorities insisted that the developers must first complete drainage improvement works agreed upon with REGSEC and the Koforidua Municipal Assembly before any further construction could be permitted.
A second operation on Friday, June 12, resulted in the arrest of six workers found at the site. Several other labourers reportedly fled into nearby bushes, while some Chinese developers remained inside a building on the premises and refused to cooperate with security personnel.
The project has generated significant public concern because it is being constructed on a riparian zone that previously served as a natural drainage path for stormwater from the Nsukwao stream and surrounding waterways.
Residents and motorists have complained that the development has contributed to worsening flooding during periods of heavy rainfall.
Eastern Regional National Security Coordinator Francis Annoh-Dompreh condemned the developers’ actions, stressing that no individual or company would be allowed to disregard directives aimed at protecting lives and property. He also warned local workers against returning to the site until the stop-work order is officially lifted.
